Mahikeng Aerotropolis to position North West Province as gateway to SADEC and challenge established export sites-Premier Modise
The Mahikeng Aerotropolis will position the North West province as a gateway into the Southern African Development and Economic Community (SADEC), Premier Thandi Modise told investors and stakeholders during the roundtable discussion on the repositioning of Mahikeng towards an Airport city at the Mmabatho Palms Resort in Mahikeng on Friday.
“We want to leave a legacy of Mahikeng as a city that will challenge established exports sites. The development of the freight hub will ensure that the number of trucks transporting cargo to as far out as Zambia that is damaging our roads network is reduced,” said Premier Modise.
Modise told delegates including investors that her administration was committed to the empowerment of youth, women and people with disability.
“We want development in every sector of our lives in the North West. We are upfront as the province to say that, because of the rich history of the province, we want women, youth and people with disability to benefit as we reposition Mahikeng as an Airport city and create a vibrant economy in the province,” reiterated Modise.
The roundtable dialogue followed a site visit of the Mafikeng International Airport where R45 million infrastructure upgrade project is in its final stages of completion for the rejuvenation of the airport.
The airport boasts a landing strip of 4.8 km which make it the second longest in Africa.
The runaway is wide enough for an aircraft of any magnitude to land and it is equipped with the state of the art instrument landing system allowing it to handle aircraft during severe climatic conditions.
Another major strength of the airport is that it is located very close to the railway line that links Africa from Cape to Cairo.
It is envisaged that the airport will resume scheduled flights and attract chartered freight aircraft in the next few months.
“This is a major economic development project and an investment that is going to impact on the lives of the people and replicate benefits for investors,” said Chairperson of Future Investment Holdings and local businessman Abel Naphtaly who was part of the airport tour and the roundtable discussions.
“The interest shown by local and overseas investors in the development that is going to unlock our economic potential and create much needed jobs through the proposed free special economic zone (SEZ) is heartening,” said an upbeat MEC for Economic Development, Conservation, Environment and Tourism, Matlalepula Rosho.
Premier Modise was accompanied by MEC Rosho, MEC Desbo Mohono of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kgosi Jeff Montshiwa of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi and MMC for in Mahikeng Local Municipality, Councillor Pontsho Tabane.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
