Recent pronouncements on potential Public Private Partnerships (PPP) aimed at bolstering and expanding the Msunduzi Airport must be acted on swiftly to bolster a growing post-Covid 19 aviation community.
The DA has, for many years, advocated for a total revamp of not just the airport but for an overall expansion of the associated aviation industry. This would not only include additional hangarage, but also investment in aircraft maintenance facilities and additional services that support the industry.
The recent Aerotropolis-focused development master-class clearly showed how Msunduzi Airport could expand in line with Wonderboom Airport – which has successfully roped in private investors to become a major regional aviation powerhouse.
More importantly, these partnerships could potentially be expanded to more than half a dozen airports scattered across KZN, again serving as a catalytic job creation sector.
Mkhuze Airport in northern KZN has the same potential, and enough elbow room to significantly expand into an aviation-based industry supporting the terminal building. Margate Airport on KZN’s South Coast could similarly expand, while numerous municipal facilities could also benefit from PPP initiatives.
The DA also notes the proposed airport facilities in the Camperdown region. We encourage KZN’s Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to fully investigate all proposed new airports plans before committing any funding.
This as Mkhuze and Margate airports are still battling to fully fund their fire-fighting and operational costs. Existing facilities provide an ideal springboard for PPP funding and catalytic growth and cannot be ignored.
The DA remains committed to ensuring economic growth and employment opportunity in KZN. Fully functional airports form a vital part of this trajectory.