CAG Report Reveals Safety Breach at Bukoba Airport

During his audit of Bukoba Airport, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), Charles Kichere, uncovered a concerning safety lapse. Ground control staff were found to be using mobile phones to receive flight information and communicate with the Air Traffic Control Tower in Mwanza, instead of utilizing the designated communication system, posing a risk to passenger safety.

In his annual audit report for the fiscal year 2022/2023, CAG cited regulations 259, 260, and 263 of the Civil Aviation (Airports) Regulations 2017, which mandate air traffic controllers to ensure that rescue equipment meets the operational demands of the airport. This includes firefighting and rescue vehicles being able to reach any part of the runway within three minutes. Additionally, the regulations require a robust communication system connecting the fire station, rescue vehicles, and the control tower at the airport.

However, during the audit of Bukoba Airport, it was found that ground control staff were using mobile phones to communicate with the Mwanza Air Traffic Control Tower, contrary to regulations. CAG emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure management improvements and strict adherence to safety regulations to safeguard airport personnel, passengers, aircraft, and airport operations.

CAG Charles Kichere recommended that the Tanzanian government ensure that the Airport Authority strengthens infrastructure management and adheres to safety regulations to protect the safety of airport personnel, passengers, and airport operations.