The state-owned China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) technical team recently conducted a technical assessment of the Maun International Airport which is planned for expansion.
The assessment on the proposed development and modernisation of the airport followed the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) signed with CMEC in Macau, China.
During the visit, CMEC held technical meetings with Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) Maun Airport management. Discussions focused on the current condition, operational capacity, infrastructure needs, and areas for improvement and expansion of existing facilities.
The delegation also conducted site visits to the proposed greenfield airport development sites around Maun. The assessment covered land availability, site conditions, accessibility, potential layout, supporting infrastructure and long-term development requirements.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, CMEC will then consolidate its findings into a comprehensive technical report. This will cover the existing airport assessment, greenfield site evaluations, preliminary development options, required infrastructure improvements, and recommendations. The report will then be submitted to the relevant Botswana authorities to guide further discussions.
Prior to their visit to Maun, CMEC technical team held briefing with the leadership of the ministry.
According to the ministry, the purpose of the briefing was to advance discussions on the implementation of the MoU and to establish the next steps towards CMEC’s proposed involvement in the development and modernisation of Botswana’s aviation infrastructure, including the Maun Airport Development Project.
During the briefing, CMEC presented its technical capabilities, experience and proposed approach to the project. This included plans for mobilisation of technical experts to undertake further assessments and to engage with relevant Botswana stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities and standards.
The ministry has since welcomed CMEC’s commitment to modernise aviation infrastructure to support tourism growth, regional connectivity and economic development.
Maun Airport, as a key gateway to the Okavango Delta was identified as a priority project under the partnership. The project forms part of Government’s broader agenda to modernise Botswana’s aviation infrastructure.
The ministry stated that both parties have agreed to move forward with technical engagements and stakeholder consultations as part of the implementation roadmap outlined in the MoU.
Meanwhile, Modipe Nkwe – CAAB Public Affairs Manager was yet to respond to this publication’s inquiries on progress made regarding the Feasibility study of the airport.
Undertaken by JS Planning and Design Studio, the study which commenced at the beginning of 2024 will guide the long-term development of the airport over the next 25 years. It will mainly advise on whether further to develop the airport in its existing or alternatively, to relocate the facility with its international status to another spacious place.
Throughout the years, Maun International Airport has attracted a substantial amount of passenger movement within Botswana’s aviation landscape. CAAB seeks to explore strategies that will accommodate rapidly increasing interest from international carriers’ whilst also reinforcing the airport as a driver of economic growth and development in the North West region.
The last upgrade of the airport was in 2021 but the authority emphasises that the development was basically an interim measure as there are still limitations in terms of its capacity.
