Umtata may lose airport
2003-08-08 08:34
Nicolene Louw
Umtata - Sheep and goats wandering on Umtata airport's runway could lead to its closure within a month.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which conducted an investigation earlier this week, says the airport facilities have to be upgraded within 30 days, otherwise the licence will be suspended.
The authority named faulty fire-fighting equipment and poor management as some of the reasons that could lead to the closure.
The defence force and local municipality have been asked in the past to help extinguish fires.
Eastern Cape tourism authorities and spokespeople for the business sector have expressed concern about the possible closure.
CAA chief Trevor Abrahams and MEC for transport Dennis Neer met in Bisho on Tuesday and decided the airport will be re-evaluated within a month.
Neer says his department has several measures in place to upgrade the airport building.
Business people are shocked about the possible closure and say it will have a negative impact on the local economy. They say court cases will be delayed, because the legal fraternity will have to travel by car and won't be able to fly anymore.
The chairperson of the Border-Kei chamber of commerce, Les Holbook, says one of the reasons for the airport's deterioration is that it's used so seldom.
He suggested a feasibility study be undertaken and that the private sector take over the management of the airport.
- Die Burger