Ngoni Dapira

DESPITE being a historic and much awaited development for the eastern border city of Mutare, the refurbishment and operationalization of the Grand Reef Aerodrome also became an emotional and unforgettable experience for one elderly lady that flew on an airplane for the first time on the Air Zimbabwe maiden flights from Harare-Mutare yesterday (Saturday).

Tourism and Hospitality deputy Minister Hon Tongai Mnangagwa (raising hand) celebrates the landing of the maiden flight at Grand Reef whilst boarding off the plane.

It was a euphoric atmosphere at Grand Reef Aerodrome where the first 48 seater ATR 42-500 commercial flight from Harare-Mutare landed at 7:30am. Grand Reef Aerodrome is located near Odzi  township about 37 kilometres west of Mutare with a runway of 1200m x 30m.

The former Rhodesian forces airbase was never operationalized after independence in 1980, but it has now since been demilitarized and will be open to the public for commercial flights after certification by the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ).

CAAZ gave the Grand Reef Aerodrome a waiver for use after meeting minimum requirements just for the Sanganai/ Hlanganani/ Kumbanayi World Travel Expo that will run from Wednesday till Friday in Mutare at Mutare Sports Club. However international buyers attending the tourism expo started flying in yesterday to visit various tourism destinations in the Eastern Highlands from today (Sunday) up to Wednesday when the official opening and exhibition events start.

This prestigious event is the country’s premier international tourism exhibition which is organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality. It will be hosted by Manicaland Province for the first time as part of a government initiative to decentralize tourism promotion.

For 72 years old granny, Gogo Anna Mawoneke-Jambe today marked not only a historic day for Manicaland in terms of commissioning the first direct flights to Mutare at Grand Reef Aerodrome, but it became a dream come true for her as she flew on a an airplane for the first time after her children bought her a ticket to board the second return flight from Harare.

Gogo Anna Mawoneke-Jambe in the departure lounge.

“I am so happy to fly on an airplane for the first time, especially this flight from here my rural home. I live in Harare but come from here in Bocha Marange and had come for a tombstones unveiling function. At my age long distance journeys are now a painful thought, but a 30 minutes flight to Harare is just like the time I take to get into town back home in Harare. Thank you President Emmerson Mnangagwa for this and all those that worked hard to make us have direct air flights to Mutare,” said gogo Mawoneke-Jambe who could not hide her joy as she waited for her 11am flight to Harare which was the second flight of the day.

On the other hand, for 84 years old grandfather, sekuru Shaddie Nyambuya who turns 85 in November, received an early birthday present after the Tourism and Hospitality Minister Honourable Barbra Rwodzi decided to appreciate him for being the first commercial flight customer to buy a return ticket from Mutare-Harare for US$150. A one-way ticket is going for US$85.

Air Zimbabwe head ground operations Tafadzwa Zaza (extreme left) congratulating sekuru Shaddie Nyambuya (centre) as the first customer with his daughter daughter Patience Dube and family friend prominent Mutare real estate businessman Joseph Sanhanga (extreme right) cheering on.

Not only did she pledge that the Tourism Ministry would buy him another return flight ticket but also undertook to make him a brand ambassador. Sekuru Nyambuya who bought a return ticket and landed safely in Harare in the 30 minutes flight is expected to come back home in Mutare on Tuesday. The trial run flights will run till next Sunday.

“To our first customer sekuru Nyambuya, as the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality we are going to buy him another return flight ticket. We want him to become our brand ambassador because he did not hesitate to support this new initiative beating many of you young people here to buy a ticket first. We saw him check in with his bags. Going to Harare is now only 30 minutes. Please let us support this initiative the people of Mutare,” said Min Rwodzi in her remarks.

The guest of honour Transport Minister Felix Mhona giving his official remarks at Grand Reef.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Hon Felix Mhona who was the guest of honour urged the people of Manicaland to be patriotic in supporting developmental initiatives that promote economic growth citing that the Second Republic government intends to deliver many infrastructural development projects by 2030.

He added that the Grand Reef Airbase had become more of a pasture for villagers nearby but its development is now expected to create jobs for locals and add value to the area.

“I know some people are already talking bad about this Grand Reef project on social media instead of celebrating progressive initiatives. In the bible this is what was done by the Israelites when they were released from bondage in Egypt and went into the wilderness with Moses. Some started complaining along the way wishing they were back in bondage, but today I say to you let us embrace innovation and development initiatives as Zimbabweans and be patriotic towards supporting pro-developmental projects like the one we are witnessing here,” said Min Mhona.

The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Advocate Misheck Mugadza called on the people of Manicaland to rally behind the airport project as the future and for convenient traveling.

“Let us embrace this project as the people of Manicaland. Many of us travel a lot back and forth to Harare. Airplanes reduce the time constrains and fatigue of long distance. This is the future so let us support this,” said Min Mugadza.

The Air Zimbabwe ATR 42-500 at Grand Reef Aerodrome.

Air Zimbabwe head ground operations Tafadzwa Zaza revealed that the first flight from Harare to Mutare had 42 passengers comprising mostly of senior government officials that were officiating the maiden flight as well as international buyers coming for the Sanganai/ Hlangananai/ Kumanayi World Tourism Expo, whilst the return flight had two local passengers including sekuru Nyambuya, who became the first local to buy a return ticket on Friday.

The second flight had 43 passengers mostly international buyers again, whilst the return flight had two locals including gogo Mawoneke-Jambe. The third flight they had 35 passengers from Harare and 33 booked to return including some locals and the senior government officials that would be returning after officiating the Grand Reef ceremony.

Captain Eric Karumba

The Kenyan pilot of the ATR 42-500, captain Eric Karumba who has 15 years flying experience said all the flights went well and there was nothing wrong with the runway. “It was an uneventful flight and I believe this route is very promising in terms of viability but it is the locals that have to support the initiative,” said Karumba in a side interview.