31 July 2007
As from tomorrow, Wednesday, 1 August 2007, Bhisho Airport runway will be
closed for six weeks for receiving flights due to the upgrade of the airport
facilities that is currently taking place at a cost of approximately R100
million.
This upgrade is expected to be completed by March 2008 and more than 100
people from the surrounding villages have been employed and there will be more
workers needed as the project progresses. The project derives from the Blue
Skyway Aviation Strategy, which was unveiled by the Eastern Cape Department of
Roads and Transport on 2 October 2006 in an effort to maximise the potential of
the Bhisho and Mthatha airports and bring new life to the rural airstrips
within the province.
The objectives of this strategy are:
* to ensure adherence to the National Policy (White Paper on Civil Aviation
of March 2005), where it is stated that government should not be involved with
operating airports, but should encourage private sector involvement.
Government, however, remains responsible for ensuring that airports contribute
to the socio-economic development of the area.
* to reduce the financial cost on the Provincial Government
* to enhance usage of our airports
* involve the private sector, particularly the small medium and micro
enterprises (SMMEs), by outsourcing services or airport's management.
Already, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing has relocated to
Bhisho Airport. Port Alfred-based 43 Air School has signed a declaration with
the Department of Roads and Transport for its expansion to the Bhisho Airport
and has started assisting in recommissioning refuelling facilities for the
airport. The first 14 students are expected to relocate to the Airport in the
next two months.
Air BP has started with the revamping of the fuel depot at their costs.
Aircraft movements have already improved from 13 movements per month before
October 2006 to 67 per month and this will steadily increase as fuel becomes
available. The control tower has been stripped and new painting and renovations
are taking place terminal building for 43 Air School offices is nearing
completion, which is expected the next month.
New security road is being constructed with a new security fence. New fire
tender worth R5 million was delivered on 20 May 2007 from overseas and firemen
have completed a course on this new vehicle. The main intention is to increase
the emergency capacity of the airport and improve its grades from two to
four.
This airport has been earmarked for international flights during the 2010
Fifa World Cup. South African Airways (SAA) has expressed its interest at the
Bhisho Airport and more companies are coming forward with proposals.
The National Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism has appointed
consultants to do a feasibility study on the upgrade of the Mthatha Airport.
That feasibility study has been completed and forwarded to consulting engineers
for final costing. We have purchased two large airport fire tenders for the
Mthatha Airport and we will apply to upgrade our license from four to six with
South African Civil Aviation Authority, which will enable bigger aircraft to
land there. The security perimeter road has been upgraded as this is part of
the requirements.
While the upgrade continues at both Bhisho and Mthatha Airports, the
Department of Roads and Transport will simultaneously embark on a process of
consulting various stakeholders in an effort to rename these airports.
Meetings have been scheduled for August 2007 to meet the Eastern Cape
Geographic Names Committee, the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and
Culture and the Buffalo City and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipalities.
The Department of Roads and Transport is committed to use all available
resources to advance public transport solutions in this province, through
involving all relevant stakeholders.
Issued by: Department of Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape
Provincial Government
31 July 2007
