MASVINGO — Zanu PF national chairperson and former Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa, Simon Khaya Moyo, has described underpaid air traffic controllers in the country and their obsolete equipment as “a security threat”.
Speaking at the national Air Traffic Controllers Association of Zimbabwe (ATCAZ) annual commemorations in Masvingo on Saturday, Khaya-Moyo said a lot needed to be done to avoid compromising the country’s safety record.
“I take note that a worker, who is ill-trained, overworked and uses sub-standard equipment is a threat to safety. They are the nerve centre of air travel and therefore must be accorded appropriate remuneration and utmost respect,” said Khaya Moyo, who is also patron of ATCAZ.
He said there was no upgrading of equipment, skills and specialised training for the controllers to keep them abreast with the ever-changing international trends.
“The equipment used by controllers is almost obsolete, a condition which is not acceptable at all. Management should give priority to equipment being used by controllers to effectively improve the country’s safety record.
“The organisation needs continuous upgrading of skills and equipment to adequately equip air traffic controllers to cope with new challenges and expectations.”
Apart from the ageing equipment, Khaya Moyo bemoaned poor salaries paid to air traffic controllers. “Management should find ways of improving working conditions of air traffic controllers as they play a vital role in air traffic.”
