By Lubabalo Ngcukana

The multi-million rand refurbishment of Mthatha airport would contribute to the economic development of the area, said MEC for Roads and Transport, Gloria Barry.

Barry was speaking during the handing over of the a irport for upgrading on Friday.

“Government remains responsible for ensuring that airports contribute to the socio-economic development of areas,” Barry said, adding that government should also encourage private-sector involvement at airports .

She said the initiative was in line with the Blue Sky Aviation Strategy which sought to maximise the potential of Bhisho and Mthatha airports and to bring new life to the rural airstrips within the province.

The R60 million upgrade of the Mthatha airport follows that of the Bhisho airport, which was completed last month at a cost of R76 million.

The Bhisho upgrade created 170 local jobs while the Mthatha project is expected to create more than 100 jobs.

Barry said the airport upgrade was expected to be completed early in 2010.

Once completed the department intended to have a second airline running between Mthatha and Johannesburg, including an evening flight.

“A future link to Durban from Mthatha is envisaged as soon as the correct type of service is developed,” Barry said.

There was also a plan to link Port Elizabeth to Mthatha via Bhisho.

Barry also launched the (Africa Best) AB350 Ltd Bus Operation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo and Nyandeni municipalities.

OR Tambo District Municipality mayor, Zoleka Capa applauded the initiative.

“We must celebrate this type of service delivery as the people of the OR Tambo and the Eastern Cape as a whole,” she said.

Source: Daily Dispatch