Put more resources in Buffalo Range Airport, Govt urged

Masvingo Bureau
July 29, 2009

Government has been challenged to urgently channel more resources towards the expansion of Buffalo Range Airport in the Low-veld for the country to tap into the envisaged tourism boom anticipated during next year’s Fifa World Cup soccer finals to be hosted by South Africa.



Expansion of the airport which is also the gateway to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park joining Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park, South Africa’s Kruger Park and the Limpopo National Park of Mozambique has been on hold for the past six years due to funding constraints.

There are fears that the wildlife rich low veld could lose out on the opportunities presented by the World Cup if key infrastructure like airports and roads are not upgraded to international standards.

Chiredzi North House of Assembly representative Ronald Ndava last week bemoaned the slow pace in completing the expansion of the airport, saying more resources should be made available for the project.

Mr Ndava said Buffalo Range was the gateway for thousands of tourists who might come into the country next year.

"We are saying that now that the economy has stabilised there should be emphasis on resource allocation to projects such as the expansion of Buffalo Range Airport.

"Government should indeed move with speed and make sure that the expansion of the airport is completed as it has been stalled for the past six years due to underfunding," said Mr Ndava.

Masvingo 2010 World Cup provincial organising committee chairman Mr Frederick Kasese echoed Mr Ndava’s sentiments, saying the expansion of the airport and the facelift of Masvingo Airport were critical for the region’s tourism fortunes come next year.

Mr Kasese said substandard infrastructure would impact negatively on plans to benefit from next year’s soccer showcase.

He added that besides the expansion of Buffalo Range Airport, there was also need to expand Masvingo Airport.

"Masvingo airport needs to be really expanded if we are serious about tapping into the potential that comes from next year’s event," said Mr Kasese.

Expansion of Buffalo Range Airport started in 2003 with the late Vice President Dr Simon Muzenda witnessing the groundbreaking ceremony.

Speaking of Buffalo Range, does anyone have experience chartering into Buff. Range from Jo'berg? Average cost?

The very best man to go to is Aubrey Kent who posts here as 458Aubs and runs Kent Air Services/Air Charters & Tourism Pty Ltd.

You can find him on the air charters section here: http://www.shakariconnection.c...nting-directory.html

Will:

I have done it before but it was so long ago, I don't remember the cost.

It is a shorter flight than you flight to the SAVE. Not a bad flight at all.

Clean Fuel would be great, or should i say any feul....

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
Speaking of Buffalo Range, does anyone have experience chartering into Buff. Range from Jo'berg? Average cost?

Will a rough cost would be as follows:
- king air 200, as the picture below, up to 10pax, R 39 600.00 for a drop off,
- piper senneca, small 6 seat twin, 4 pax max, R 19 000.00 for a drop off,
- cessna citation jet, 4 pax, twin turbine, R 40 000.00 for a drop off
- cessna 414, twin, 5 pax, R 25 000.00 for a drop off
- baron 58, small twin, 4 pax max! R 19 800.00

Hope that helps, the price is per aircraft. no other costs involved, the price is all inclusive. drinks and snacks provided

Sorry its from Lanseria, direct to Buffalo Range

Thanks to all for the info.