By Adonis Byemelwa
Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda has unveiled plans to transform Arusha Airport with a new passenger terminal designed to alleviate congestion and elevate passenger comfort.
During his recent inspection of the renovation, which he emphasized must be completed swiftly, Makonda stressed the project’s importance, aiming to have the terminal operational by 1st September.
His announcement on August 16, 2024, highlights a commitment to enhancing the airport’s capacity and efficiency, signaling a significant upgrade to meet the growing demands of travelers.
“By visiting the site, we’ve seen firsthand the progress. We aim to have the airport operational 24 hours a day. With the Sh7 billion allocated for installing runway lighting, we are confident this project will support round-the-clock operations,” Makonda stated.
He confirmed that a contractor for the lighting project has been appointed, with a 12-month contract signed. However, Makonda has pushed for the project to be completed within 8 months. “We are working to ensure that the new lighting and other improvements are finished as soon as possible to meet our operational goals,” he added.
Arusha Airport Manager Godfrey Kaaya detailed that the terminal and its infrastructure are set to cost Sh8 billion and are currently 90% complete. The existing terminal, which handles 150 passengers at a time, will be replaced by a new facility capable of accommodating 1,000 passengers.
“The new terminal is on track to open by September as it’s already over 90% complete,” Kaaya said. He also emphasized the importance of the lighting project, which is crucial for extending operating hours to 24.
“The lighting project is vital for our goal of operating around the clock. The contractor has started preliminary work, and we expect the project to be completed within a year.”
At present, Arusha Airport operates for only 12 hours each day but is the second busiest airport in mainland Tanzania after Julius Nyerere International Airport. With around 150 flights per day—75 arriving and 75 departing, especially during the tourist season—the need for an expanded terminal is evident.
Kaaya highlighted the significant increase in passenger traffic, noting that the airport served over 38,000 passengers in July 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, July 2024 saw over 45,000 passengers.
“More than 90% of these passengers are tourists, underscoring the airport’s critical role in the tourism sector,” he remarked.
The upgrades to the airport are essential as Arusha serves as a major gateway to northern Tanzania. Recent improvements, such as a revamped parking area and upgraded access roads, reflect the ongoing progress, with only the new terminal and lighting installation left to complete.
However, Makonda’s recent absence from public view has stirred controversy. For over a month, speculation surrounded his whereabouts, with rumors suggesting he was receiving treatment in South Africa. Upon his return to Arusha, Makonda avoided addressing the reasons for his extended absence, fueling further speculation and public concern.
Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Missaile Albano Musa clarified the situation on July 26, 2024, stating that Makonda was on leave.
“I can confirm that Commissioner Makonda is currently on leave. My role is to confirm his status, not to track the details of his activities during his leave,” Musa explained in a phone interview with Global TV Online.
Despite this clarification, public scrutiny intensified, with rumors ranging from concerns about his health to speculation about his death. Makonda’s controversial past, including a U.S. travel ban due to human rights violations and high-profile statements on corruption, has only heightened the speculation.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about transparency and communication among public officials. Makonda’s unexplained absence echoes a troubling pattern seen in Tanzanian politics, including the recent case of Vice President Philip Mpango, whose unexplained absence was later revealed to be a routine visit to South Korea.
These instances highlight a recurring issue: the failure of public officials to provide timely and accurate information, which leads to unnecessary confusion and speculation. This problem is further compounded by the role of Tanzania’s Minister of Information, a position often associated with news suppression and creating information vacuums rather than facilitating open communication.
In essence, while the new terminal at Arusha Airport promises to significantly improve passenger experience and operational efficiency, the controversy surrounding Makonda’s absence underlined a pressing need for greater transparency and effective communication in Tanzanian public administration.
