DURBAN - THE post-construction development around the Mkhuze Airport aimed at enhancing direct tourist and economic development into the uMkhanyakude Municipality has been dubbed the “master plan”.
This was revealed by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala during a monitoring ceremony at the airport, where he spoke of the economic possibilities of the airport in the area, therefore naming it the master plan.
“We pronounced on the upgrade of Mkhuze Airport during the State of the Province Address. The progress we are observing is further evidence of the provincial government’s programme of action to position the province as a leading provider of aviation and transport infrastructure in Africa, and the world. While focusing on tourism and cargo, Mkhuze Airport will complement King Shaka International Airport through chartered flights from Durban and other major areas such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kruger National Park,” Zikalala said.
“The upgrading of Mkhuze Airport augurs well with the provincial government’s quest of increasing tourism connectivity in the province, particularly to uMkhanyakude District, which has the highest concentration of game reserves.”
Zikalala noted that “post the construction of the uMkhuze Airport, we have in place the ‘master plan’ for Mkhuze Airport, which is expected to attract critical infrastructure investment in mixed-use developments on land adjacent to the airport, while also supporting the proposed agri-hub in Mkhuze.”
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Ravi Pillay ascribed these positive developments to the success of the provincial government’s economic recovery, reconstruction and transformation plan.
“We have stated our commitment to increasing trade, tourism and beneficial collaboration with the rest of the world. Efficient and regular aviation services are necessary if we are to increase the number of visits to our province, in order to grow tourism numbers and to create jobs up and down the value chain. It is a commitment we make with the recovery plan in mind,” Pillay said.
The uMngeni Local Municipality was eyeing a development project worth R100 million for the Howick Falls precinct.
Daily News