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The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CCAZ) stakeholder workshop held in Harare today focused on Drone Technology and the Open Skies Policy.
In her speech at the workshop today, the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Pedzisai Makumbe, who was represented by Mr. Mashababe, the Air Accident and Incident Investigation, said the Government is fascinated by the usage of drone technology in the country.
Stakeholders including parastatals, corporates, farmers, mining firms, artists, and citizens have introduced drone technology within their service delivery systems to increase efficiencies such as aerial surveys, powerline inspections, farming, photography, and small item deliveries.
“I wish to compel all drone owners and users to be guided by our laws and regulations on Remotely Piloted Aircraft for our safety and security as these technological pieces can be a threat to air transport users, the public, and a security threat to all if they are misused or in wrong hands. We appreciate the efforts that are being put in by all stakeholders such as ZIMRA, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe to ensure that the use of drones is adequately regulated.
“I wish to inform you that the Ministry, in furtherance of our aspirations captured in NDS1, is constantly scanning the environment for opportunities that can help us achieve our set targets. We take note of the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 flagship program; the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), generally known as the “Open Skies Policy.”
“As you may be aware, this policy is aimed at the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), which emphasizes increased air connectivity on the African continent. SAATM presents us with an opportunity to further augment our ongoing efforts; under the Air service development programme; and to also woo other African airlines to consider the Zimbabwean market,” Eng Makumbe said.
With this in mind and the need for increased air connectivity into the country, Eng Makumbe said it was seen prudent that the country moves away from protectionism policies towards liberal, market-determined initiatives that are based on benchmarking, data-driven programs. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is one such policy initiative that the Government has embraced in line with the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Cde Dr E. D. Mnangagwa mantra that Zimbabwe is Open for Business.
Speaking on the same occasion, the CAAZ Board Chairperson, Captain Alois G Nyandoro, through his representative, the Deputy Chairperson, Retired Deputy Commissioner Nonkosomi M Ncube, said the Aviation industry is a highly regulated industry that is expected to always stay compliant with the established Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) as guided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“It is important to note that within the same compliance framework, CAAZ also ensures strict adherence to the full spectrum of local statutes and policies including drone regulations and economic regulation of the Air Transport industry. As a Regulator, our main focus is on raising safety and security compliance levels for the State in order to promote the growth and development of the Aviation industry.
“In economic regulation, the main objective is to foster the sustainable development of an air transport system. In that regard, Ladies and Gentlemen, today’s workshop is therefore focused on two topical areas that shall be addressed through panel discussions namely, Drone Technology and Open Skies Policy,” Captain Nyandoro said.
Drone usage in Zimbabwe has seen a sharp increase as the country continues to embrace the technology. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe can only complement to ensure that drone operations within the country are safe and secure. We hereby encourage all personnel and corporates to be conversant with the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations, SI 271 of 2018 which is currently in force. We may sometimes fall short of the industry expectations and as such we request engagements with our frontline personnel and their superiors through our customer feedback platforms which strive for continuous improvements in line with the Authority’s Quality Management Systems. We shall be improving on drone registration platforms to include online drone registrations and payments to cater to those far away from our airports and to ensure seamless travel experience at our borders.”
Dr. Eng. Elijah Chingosho, the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) said his institution remains committed to continuous improvement in every aspect of its operations as it braces itself for the anticipated growth of the travel and tourism sectors.
“Following on the clarion call by the President, His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa that brick upon brick, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, it is all hands on deck at CAAZ as we implement the Open Skies Policy, opening the airspace for more Airlines.
“We need also to thank our shareholder for its unflinching support in infrastructure developments and in the implementation of open skies policy,” Dr. Eng. Chingosho said.