KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Ms Ina Cronjé, undertook an inspection of the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport with a view to a possible multi-million rand revamp in a bid to boost domestic economy.
The inspection was part of her signature post-budget roadshow in the area where she was communicating the priorities of the provincial budget and ensuring that communities get involved in governance.
The inspection revealed that the airport’s runway, among other things, has cracks, disaster management vehicles are faulty and insufficient while the roof of the airport building itself is leaking.
Cronjé said the inspection was prompted by her visit in the area on the provincial budget.
“I felt I needed to take a closer look at this facility so that I can have a better picture of its current state. In as much as it is now operated by the Zululand District, but it remains a facility that the provincial government may want to revamp and we would like to see it functioning to its full potential for the benefit of the local economy. The possibility of the revamp will a matter for cabinet to discuss,” she said.
“We want to ensure that the budget makes the lives of the poor people better. It must speak to the lives of the people. It must also ensure growth of the provincial economy. The local airport’s revamp can ensure that the local economy grows and this will boost domestic tourism,” she said.
Deputy President of Makhosi Chamber of Commerce, Njabulo Dlomo said they want the department to forge close links with them as well as other local structures to ensure that they are properly informed about government programmes and how they can benefit through them.
Ulundi post-budget roadshow follows hot in the footsteps of the MEC’s visit to Msinga and Greytown last week.
Enquiries:
Musa Cebisa
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Ntokozo Maphisa
Tel: 033 846 6969
Fax: 033 846 6801
Cell: 082 773 0937
E-mail: ntokozo.maphisa@kzntreasury.gov.za
