Zimbabwe is reportedly using outdated, dangerous aviation technology which was supposed to have been urgently replaced 9 years ago according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)’s recommendations, The NewsHawks reports.
According to the publication, obsolete technology constantly breaks down and renders Zimbabwean airspace insecure
and risky.
The publication further alleges that the government’s inability to replace the technology has been caused by disputes between the Zimbabwean military and CAAZ over the installation and management of the radar control system as the army cites national security to take over the process.
Sources told the investigative journalists that the squabbles between the army and CAAZ are stemming from the fact that the radar costs $22 million but some officials want the cost of securing the radar to be pushed to $30 million so that they can get bribes and cuts from the deal and the squabbles have generated many problems than solutions.
When acting Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) CEO Tawanda Gusha was contacted to comment on the radar control system he said there were no plans in place to buy a new radar right now:
It is not yet in place. Caaz is still working on finding a solution, it is a work in progress
8 Airlines flying into Zimbabwe’s 8 operational airports everyday for now and if South Africa Airways resume flights it will bring the total number of airlines flying into Zimbabwe to 9.
More: The NewsHawks