Maravi

Minister urges collaboration in African transport sector

Minister urges collaboration in African transport sector
By Fridah Zinyama
Wednesday June 04, 2008 [04:00]

TRANSPORT and Communication deputy minister Mubika Mubika has said African countries need to collaborate their transport sectors especially the air transport systems if the continent is to integrate economically. During the Civil Aviation Committee meeting held last Friday at COMESA offices, Mubika said the collaboration amongst Southern Africa Development Communities (SADC), East African Community (EAC), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was important as it would help to bring about a robust, cost-efficient and competitive air transport on the continent.

“The speedy implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on open skies policy as well as programmes relating to air transport safety, aviation security, strengthening of state oversight in air transport and infrastructure development are very important,” he said.

Mubika said the creation of an enabling environment for the air transport industry had become more urgent for addressing the quality of lives of the African people and global competitiveness.

“It is imperative that we address all bottlenecks within this sector, as our people continue to look to us for social-economic development,” he said.

“We need to improve our air transport as we have the challenge to host not only the world cup in 2010, CAF cup in Angola and All-Africa games in 2011. All these major events require a sound reliable and cost-effective air transport system in place by then.”

Mubika said it was important for the three regional economic communities to realistically deal with the challenges that the continent is experiencing like poor connectivity among our member states.

“Other challenges like connectivity delays which ultimately lead to poor service will have to be dealt with,” he said. “And the continued uses of hubs outside our region for travel between countries in our sub-region, the high cost of travel in our sub-region compared with global norms all have to be dealt with.”

Labels: MUBIKA MUBIKA, REGIONAL INTEGRATION, TRANSPORT

posted by MrK @ 3:39 AM