Minister says Maun airport is an embarrassment

Minister of Environment Wildlife and Natural Resources, Tshekedi Khama has described the Maun Airport as one of the most embarrassing airports ever.
Tshekedi was speaking at the just-ended Hospitality and Tourism Association of  Botswana (HATAB) under the theme, ‘the role of tourism sector in expanding economic opportunities in  Botswana’.

Tshekedi who has in the past discredited the country’s airports describing them as unattractive, on Friday said, “Looking at the number of tourists received at this Maun airport; imagine if we were to advertise it, we would not get any clients.”Maun airport which is planned to have a new terminal building constructed, has had some delays on the project. Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Pusoetsile Mashabeshe said they are hoping by September this year, the terminal building would be available.

Explaining the delays for the new terminal building, Mashabeshe disclosed that government was not happy with the first design submitted in 2013 and the contract was terminated. “The second design concept was finalised in June 2016 and we are now going into a tendering process. We are hoping by September 2017 we should have it completed,” he said.  As for the Kasane airport, Mashabeshe indicated that, “We are planning to move into a new terminal building in June and the old terminal will be refurbished”.