GOVERNMENT is to build a R12,6-million presidential arrival and departure facility at Cape Town’s airport to help beef up security, according to Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau. Briefing the media in Parliament, she said the tender process for the contract, to be undertaken on behalf of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), would be fast-tracked. Sigcau said the facility would enjoy tighter security, but denied the shortened tender process was linked to last week’s attacks on the United States. ”The security of the President as is required by the department of defence… is important.” The project was initiated long before the attacks on the US, she said. Security at Johannesburg International Airport and other airports across the globe has been strengthened in the wake of last week’s events. There was no indication at this time if the same measures would be implemented at other South African airports. The department of defence had so far only requested changes to Cape Town International Airport, he said. – Sapa