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Feb. 20, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport to be rehabilitated

Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport to be rehabilitated

Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport

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THE government will rehabilitate the Moshoeshoe I International Airport so that it meets International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.

This was said by the Minister of Finance Thabo Sophonea when presenting budget estimates in Parliament on Wednesday.
He said to guard against fire outbreak, the government intends to procure a fire truck for provision of reliable cover service to retain international standard of service.
Lesotho, he said has had a challenge of domestic freight for a long time, adding however, that in February 2020, a newly and locally registered airline called Mohahlaula was introduced to relief the provision of transport services especially in the mountainous areas where access to socio-economic services is normally a challenge.
He said the airline will offer charter and scheduled domestic and international operations for both passengers and cargo which in turn will boost tourism activities.
In 2016, the then Minister of Finance Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla together with the Deputy Director General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Hamad Al-Omar signed a 17-year-loan worth M233,56 million for co-financing the reconstruction of Moshoeshoe 1 International airport.
It was indicated that the loan will be charged 1.5 percent interest and will have an additional charge of 0.5 percent and the Lesotho government was expected to pay about M132 000 twice a year for 17 years.

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The project was intended to support the economic and social development of Lesotho through increasing the handling capacity and improving the quality services at the Moshoeshoe 1 Airport, to meet the existing forecast demand for passenger and freight transport efficiently and safely in compliance with international Civil Aviation Standards.
It also included the improvement of the airside infrastructure, including the main runway, taxiways, apron, the improvement and expansion of the landside facilities and passenger handling and security services for the passengers terminal and the administration buildings among others.
Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport is at an elevation of 5,348 feet (1,630 m) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt paved runways, 04/22 measuring 3,200 by 45 metres.

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