(eTN) – The long overdue upgrading and expansion of the Songwe Aerodrome “is progressing well now” according to a statement issued by the deputy transport minister in the Tanzanian parliament yesterday. The minister was responding to impatient area MP’s questions about the ongoing delay of finishing the construction of the terminal buildings, apron, and runway.

The project has suffered serious delays in the past and the latest was reported to have been caused by a dispute between consulting engineers and contractors. This appears to have been resolved now, yet is still causing a further 6-month delay.

The new aviation facility is now due for opening before the end of 2011, and several airlines are said to be considering to start scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam and Songwe to promote greater internal use of air services and make travel by locals between the two destinations faster and more affordable, compared to having to charter an aircraft.