media and MPLs on the latest developments at Bhisho Airport
23 May 2007
Eastern Cape MEC for Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Mr Thobile
Mhlahlo, cordially invites you to an information sharing session for members of
the media and members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature (MPLs) on the
latest developments that are taking place at the Bhisho Airport, which is one
of the airports that have been identified for international flights during the
2010 FIFA World Cup.
This upgrade forms part of the Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy which was
unveiled by the Department of Roads and Transport and its objectives 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.
This session will be held at the airport on 5 June 2007 at 10h00, followed
by a walkabout around the airport to view the upgrade progress of the airport
facilities.
MEC Mhlahlo will further officially hand over a fire engine worth R5
million, which was purchased from overseas with an intention of increasing the
emergency capacity of the airport and improve its grades from two to four.
The upgrade of the airport started in March 2007 and will be completed
within 24 months at a cost of R68 million.
Already, approximately 200 people from villages around the airport are
benefiting in this process.
Furthermore, MEC Mhlahlo is expected to unveil government's plans for the
airport including training and commercial flights as many companies or
institutions have recently approached the Department of Roads and Transport
showing interest in this facility.
The presence of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing has already
improved movements and activities at the Bhisho Airport. Since the launch of
the Blue Skyway Aviation Strategy in October 2006, the movements have improved
at the airport from an average of 13 movements to 67 per month.
Furthermore, 43 Air School which is based at Port Alfred is expanding its
training programme to Bhisho Airport.
Hoping for your positive response.
Issued by:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Departmental spokesperson
Cell: 082 442 2388
Cell: 073 2066 569
Issued by: Department of Safety, Liaison, Roads and Transport, Eastern Cape
Provincial Government
23 May 2007
