Construction of Xai-xai Airport is expected to start in October, after the Mozambican government secured a Chinese donation of about US$60 million.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 36th coordinating council, Minister of Transport and Communications Carlos Mesquita said that there would be two public tenders for the construction of Xai-xai Airport in Gaza province, one in China and another in Mozambique.

The governor explained that the tenders are intended to identify a company in China capable of building the runway and related equipment, while in Mozambique the tender will select the contractor responsible for access and services to support port activities.

On 19 April, 2017 Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi said that an airport in the southern province of Gaza is urgently needed to serve as an alternative to Maputo International Airport. “[Having an airport in Gaza] is feasible, and not a luxury, it’s an urgent need,” he said.

The head of state also said that an airport in Gaza province will be a revitalising factor for the local economy.

Xai-xai is the only provincial capital in Mozambique without an airport, despite the province’s considerable tourist and cultural potential.

Source: O País / Lusa