TUESDAY, 10.30AM
TRANSPORT Minister Mac Maharaj on Monday announced a five-year plan to upgrade SA’s international airports, at a cost of R1,2-billion.
The money is to be spent on transforming major airports and developing dormant land around SA airports. Maharaj also announced that no fewer than eight international airport authorities had shown an interest in acquiring an equity stake in the Airports Company. In a recent agreement between government and labour, the stage was set for the sale of a minority stake in the Airports Company.
Maharaj said the 15-million passengers who use SA’s national and international airports every year are a huge market waiting to be serviced. “Why shouldn’t these centres be developed as places of entertainment and commercial activity? Hotels, conference centres and commercial developments that enhance the airport environment all become options that need to be examined and planned for,” said Maharaj.
The R1,2-billion is to be spent on projects including a new domestic and international terminus at Johannesburg International, as well as upgraded passenger facilities at Durban International. Should Cape Town Internatonal be awarded the 2004 Olympic Games in September, Cape Town International Airport will also be in for major redevelopment. It will be redeveloped regardless of the outcome of the Olympic bid, but if the city is not chosen, the proposed redevelopment will be downgraded.