Decisive and collaborative intervention by the DA has helped save the Empangeni Airfield. This comes after hundreds of coal trucks, forced to divert to the site last week, almost destroyed the airstrip.
Intervention, by DA Umhlathuze Caucus Leader, Councillor Christo Botha, has led to concrete barriers being erected to protect the field. Meanwhile, a private sector company has committed to helping repair extensive damage to the grass airstrip.
The DA also commends the private sector and Umhlathuze Municipality for stepping in and securing the airfield.
The ongoing stacking of trucks on the N2 outside Richards Bay continues, with the National Ports Authority unable to handle the logistics at its coal terminal.
This failure has seen thousands of trucks damaging municipal infrastructure and offloading at illegal coal dumpsites in Richards Bay.
The DA will continue to work with the municipality and private sector to rehabilitate the Empangeni airstrip. Local airfields are a critical key in training and general aviation operations, forming the backbone of the provincial aviation strategy.