Dodoma. The Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, has directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to ensure that the contractor accelerates the remaining works at the Msalato International Airport project so that the facility becomes operational by May 2026.
Prof Mbarawa issued the directive on January 14, 2026, during an inspection of the airport construction site in Dodoma, underscoring the strategic importance of the project to the nation and to the administrative capital in particular.
He emphasised that all outstanding works, notably the passenger terminal building and the runway, must be completed within the agreed timeframe.
“I commend the progress achieved so far. I have seen the first phase of the project, particularly the construction of the passenger terminal building, which has reached 66.6 per cent completion,” said Prof Mbarawa.
“In addition, construction of the control tower, the meteorological station and the fire and rescue station is progressing well. As for the runway, works are approximately 96 per cent complete. The project is moving satisfactorily, and some aircraft successfully landed here during the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he said.
Prof Mbarawa further stressed the need for rigorous supervision of the contractor to ensure value for money and strict adherence to quality standards.
He specifically called for high-quality finishing works, including the installation of tiles at the passenger terminal, to meet international aviation standards.
Prof Mbarawa noted that the remaining tasks include the delivery of firefighting vehicles and the completion of the passenger terminal building.
He reaffirmed that by the end of May 2026, the airport is expected to be fully ready for use, a development he said would yield significant economic and social benefits for both Dodoma residents and the country at large.
For her part, TANROADS Dodoma Regional Manager, Ms Zuhura Amani, said the agency has put in place robust supervision mechanisms to ensure the contractor completes the project on schedule. She added that close coordination among all implementing institutions remains a priority.
Meanwhile, the Airport Director, Mr Clemence Mbaruku, assured that the facility would be completed in line with the required standards.
He revealed that 170 staff members have already relocated to Dodoma in preparation for the airport’s official opening and commencement of operations.
The construction of Msalato International Airport is valued at more than Sh370 billion and is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening air transport infrastructure and supporting Dodoma’s status as Tanzania’s capital city.
