Entebbe, Uganda – Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) has urged partner states in the East African Community to establish a sustainable and reliable funding strategy for the agency to enable it execute its work effectively in the region.
According to Barry Kashambo, ED CASSOA, the agency is funded by partner states which do not remit a stable funding mechanism. « While we strive to enhance EAC Regional Integration through Safe and Secure Aviation, finance is a crucial element to implement that among other functions but since it’s is limited certain functions have to delay, » said Kashambo.
Kashambo was addressing delegates during the inauguration of the CASSOA Technical building in Entebbe recently. EAC secretary general, Richard Sezibera, who attended the meeting, reiterated that a stable funding mechanism for the agency can promote a safe and secure aviation industry that enhances regional integration.
« Funding can help to reduce duplication of aviation licences in the region, foster building skills of the people in the industry as well as reducing unnecessary barriers in the region, » Sezibera urged.
Reflecting on the growth of air traffic in the region since 2004, Kenya ranks high with 5 million passengers, followed by Tanzania with 3 million, Uganda having 1.2 million while Rwanda and Burundi follow with 400,000 and 200,000 respectively.
« Such growing figures call for reduction in the prices of Air tickets coupled with financing of the regulation agency to multiply them, » added Sezibera.
Margaret Zziwa, EALA Speaker advocated for reduced aviation fares in the region to foster the growth of a joint East Africa. « If we can only have reduced fares in all countries under EAC, achieving an integrated EAC can be simpler, » explained Zziwa.
The EAC Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) was established and started operation on 1st June 2007, as an autonomous self-accounting body of the East African Community.
