Airport visit marks Transport Month
By Tabisa Mntengwana
09 October 2009
TRANSPORT Month in Buffalo City kicked off with a visit by Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku and the MEC for roads and transport, Ghishma Barry, to the East London Airport in Westbank.
The visit, on Thursday 8 October, was organised by the department of roads and transport. It included representatives from Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa), Road Accident Fund, local airline companies and other role players in the transport sector.
Welcoming the guests, Faku said: “On behalf of the people of East London and those who will be travelling and walking through this building while travelling, I welcome this latest development in this beautiful city.”
The day included a walkabout of the airport, with East London Airport manager Michael Kernekamp explaining to guests what had already been achieved and what still needed to be done.
“The car rental parking area together with the VIP and business class section has been completed … There is still a lot of construction that needs to be done and the airport has promised the public that the renovations will be complete by next year,” he added.
Barry also spoke about progress at the facility. Upgrades were being done “to reposition this airport as a gateway to our province”.
“As we celebrate the 2009 October Transport Month, it is important to demonstrate our ability as a province to improve accessibility and mobility of our people and all those who would like to do business in our province through ensuring that this airport plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the region,” she added.
Also applauding the work at the airport, Faku pointed to the creation of jobs for Buffalo City residents, “which contributes positively to our struggle to bring some amount of relief to poor and destitute families”.
She acknowledged the role the airport played in linking people in Buffalo City to the rest of the world. “This very same airport serves international sports champions during various city sports events, including the Ironman and the Africa Golf tournament in January.”
Kernekamp also addressed the guests, saying: “After the airport has been completed it will bring smiles and something for Buffalo City to be proud of.”
The proceedings were wrapped up by the Acsa managing director, Monhla Hlahla, who thanked airport users for their patience during construction.
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