Jeff Radebe, MP Minister of Transport
14 September 2007
Programme Director,
MEC for Finance, Zweli Mkhize
MEC for Transport and Safety Liaison, Bheki Cele,
Ethekwini Executive Mayor, Obed Mlaba,
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) CEO, Monhla Hlahla,
Leaders of Ilembe Consortium,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
Today's sod turning ceremony marks a watershed moment in our intensified
efforts to meet the demand for airport infrastructure. This demand arose as a
result of our buoyant economy and in anticipation of an influx of visitors to
our shores for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and beyond. We are indeed pleased that
a positive Record of Decision (ROD) in respect of the environmental impact
assessment has been attained. It is now as you have seen all systems go for the
building of a new international airport and trade port here at La Mercy.
Construction of the facility began on 24 August following the announcement
of the ROD by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on 23 August.
This ladies and gentlemen demonstrates the urgency and the seriousness with
which we are endeavouring to get the country ready for 2010 and to put in place
the much needed infrastructure.
It is our stated objective as the government to invest in infrastructure
development in all sectors of our economy as way of laying the platform for
accelerated and shared growth. The investment in infrastructure, we believe,
will facilitate accelerated economic growth in line with the government's
strategic objectives.
Furthermore, it goes without saying that the transport infrastructure is a
key enabler of economic performance hence the numerous initiatives in this
particular regard. Because of the location of the current Durban International
Airport, expansion opportunities of the site have been limited. There has also
been a perception that the 2,4 km runway is too short for long haul aircraft,
thus limiting the region's economic and tourism potential.
The airport at the La Mercy site has been planned to be fully operational by
2010 and to have the capacity to handle 7,5 million passengers annually with a
3,7 km runway that will accommodate long-haul and new generation aircraft such
as the A380. It is envisaged that the airport will be expanded in the future so
that is able to handle the projected 45 million passengers annually by
2060.
Ladies and gentlemen Durban, this beautiful city of Durban is already a very
popular tourist hot spot and the new airport should go a long way in making
travelling in and out of the city an enjoyable and hassle free experience.
Let me take this opportunity therefore and use this platform to congratulate
Ilembe Consortium for winning the tender to design and build the new airport
and Dube TradePort. With the construction and operation of the airport at the
La Mercy site, many job and business opportunities will be created.
It is estimated that about 270 000 jobs will be created directly and
indirectly as a result of this project. In addition to that, it is envisaged
that this project will contribute positively to the national Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) on the back of about R7 billion in fixed investments and
increased government revenues and taxes of around R4,3 billion.
Therefore, it is very clear that our airports are an essential cog of the
country's transport system and have a crucial role to play particularly in
respect of tourism. This sector of tourism is one of our country's key launch
pads for further economic development.
In addition, the new airport together with the auxiliary Dube Trade Port
will enable growth in trade and business development. The port will serve as
catalyst for economic growth and job creation in the region as it will among
other things enable local exporters to effectively tap into global markets.
During the construction phase which has just started, business opportunities
are abound and special emphasis will be placed on black economic empowerment in
line with government procurement policy. We therefore, encourage previously
disadvantaged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the procurement prospects
flowing from this R7 billion project.
All the planning that went into this project has now borne fruit and I would
like to thank all the stakeholders who made it possible for this project to
take off.
I would also like to thank my Director-General, Mpumi Mpofu and also thank
managing director Acsa, Monhla Hlahla. Let me also thank MEC Zweli Mkhize for
his political leadership and the CEO of the Dube Trade Port Rohan Persad.
I am also happy that we are launching this project as we begin with the
countdown of 1 000 days to the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
The work we are doing here should bury whatever doubts that might still
exist about our state of readiness for hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Viva La Mercy viva, viva Dube Trade Port viva!
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Transport
14 September 2007
Source: SAPA
