Master Plan in motion to unlock Zimbabwe’s Air Trade Potential in Epworth

As Zimbabwe is eyeing a multi-million Dollar Aviation and Storage
Industry to Boost Air Trade, Epworth Local Board has put forward a proposed master plan to establish a state-of-the-art airport industry.

It will be located near the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA).

The expansion project is to expand the once informal settlement as it looks set to obtain town status.

The project aims to construct storage facilities and aviation services immediately adjacent to the high-density suburb of Epworth.

It will directly address a critical infrastructure gap at the country’s main airport. The proposed development forms part of a larger plan to extend the high-density suburb.

The plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for approval.

The development will be bridging the Airport’s Infrastructure Gap acting as a key driver for the master plan.
There is currently lack of storage facilities and limited service providers at RGMIA.

Epworth Local Authority Town Secretary, Dr Wilton Mhanda, confirmed the development.
He highlighted the significant impact it will have on aicommerce.

“The Epworth Local Authority prepared a proposed master plan document… proposing to establish an industrial site to put up
Aviation services and storage facilities which will cater for airliners, close to the local Airport,” Dr Mhanda said.

Once approved, the “airport industry” is expected to be a major boom for airliners, importers, and traders using the Harare route.

The proximity of the facilities to RGMIA will significantly cut costs for airliners and trade operators by eliminating long-distance transport
and handling.

Mhanda noted the move will also “avoid risk of accidents” by having storage facilities located close to the airport tarmac.

“It will generally ease the way of doing business for those transporting goods
by air,” he said.

Dr. Mhanda stressed that the airport industry is a milestone achievement for Harare and the country’s economic development agenda.

“This expansion project of Epworth, if approved by government, will go a long way in improving infrastructural development in the country a lot of international investors will be wanting to invest in this
project… and this will give our local people chances of employment,” he said.

The project aligns with national policies and directives, such as the “Call to Action – No Compromise to Service Delivery” blueprint and the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy, designed to advance
infrastructural development and attract international investment.

The development of the master plan involves several stages, including data gathering, strategy development, and implementation planning.

Dr Mhanda also emphasized the importance for aviation players to consider factors like location, security, access, and specific business needs (such as bonded warehousing or specialized facilities
for aviation fuel).

Following implementation by the council, the draft master plan will be made available for public exposition, allowing residents and interested parties to review and provide feedback to the Local
Authority before final construction begins.