Tanzania's Dodoma Airport to operate 24 hours

Works, Transport and Communication Minister, Prof Makame Mbarawa announced after inspecting installation of airfield ground lighting this week, commissioned by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) and implemented through Chinese firm - Shanghai Chiko Solar Technology Company, “Effective from now, Dodoma Airport can accommodate flight operations 24/7.

“The plan is to ensure that it meets international standards and save as immediate national airport in the country's capital. Ten flights, including domestic and international, arrive and depart at the airport daily, thanks to the completion of the expansion plan that included construction of a 2.5km runway.”

The installation of nearly 150 airfield ground lights took 14 days, according to TAA's AGL Installation Supervisor,  Samwel Mruma. It involved installation of runway lights, wind sock, taxiway lights and turn-up lights - the modern solar aviation lighting technology -making Dodoma Airport the first in East Africa to apply the latest technology.

Minister Mbarawa said that the technology allows minimum maintenance and has the highest lifespan of 12 years and can be on up to 100,000 hours.

The lights are radio-frequency controlled, meaning cannot be used anywhere without a remote control. Prof Mbarawa warned the public surrounding the un-fenced airport not to tamper with the new gadgets, saying they can only be used as toys when removed from location.

'We should not be the first to sabotage our economy. It's high time that we all protect this new facility for our own good,' he said.