The Namibia Airports Company Limited (NAC) has reported investments valued at over N$350 million in infrastructure developments aimed at enhancing the country’s airports’ infrastructural and service improvements.
NAC Chairperson Leake Hangala said the development initiatives are particularly aimed at harnessing the opportunities presented by the recent oil and gas discovery and green hydrogen initiatives.
“The NAC is committed to improving its airport infrastructure to support the country’s national development initiatives and harness the natural resources brought about by the recent oil and gas discovery together with the green hydrogen initiatives,” he said.
Over the 2022-2023 financial year, NAC directed investments towards various infrastructural and service improvements across Namibia’s airports.
“Key projects completed during this period include the refurbishment of aprons and taxiways at Katima Mulilo Airport and Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport,” said Hangala.
“Additionally, the procurement and delivery of the first new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle for Walvis Bay International Airport, valued at over N$16 million, underscored the NAC’s commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities.”
Furthermore, the Apron expansion at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) at N$100 million, was funded by the Government over two years.
He added that the successful completion of the Congestion Alleviation project at Hosea Kutako International Airport, with an investment of N$250 million, marked a significant milestone in enhancing airport capacity and passenger experience.
Furthermore, the procurement and construction of a Pressure-fed Fire Simulator for HKIA were undertaken to ensure compliance with international standards ahead of the upcoming ICAO USOAP-CMA Audit scheduled for March 2024.
Looking forward, the NAC envisions ambitious developments at airports at Katima, Rundu, and Lüderitz.
“Considerable progress has been made towards the construction of new terminal buildings at Katima Mulilo and Rundu Airports, with land transfer processes underway and consultations ongoing with key stakeholders,” he added.
Meanwhile, discussions are also underway regarding infrastructure enhancements at Lüderitz Airport to accommodate the burgeoning oil and gas sector and green hydrogen initiatives.
This coincides with other notable priorities, such as the evaluation of the NAC’s existing Integrated Strategic Business Plan and the creation of a new 5-year ISBP incorporating present and forthcoming national and international endeavours.
Additionally, efforts are underway to formulate master plans for all eight airports and maintain ongoing engagement with stakeholders to establish an aviation training Centre of Excellence in Namibia.
Hangala said the initiative is a joint endeavour involving the private and public sectors of Namibia and Finland.
