President Zuma happy with revitalisation of Eastern Cape Municipality

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Zuma was in Mthatha on Friday to inspect and report on the progress made in the implementation of several development projects, including electrification projects, provision of bulk infrastructure and the upgrading of the Mthatha Airport.

President Zuma said government's invested millions of rand in King Sabata Dalindyebo to revitalize the town and settlements.

He said over the last two years a total of R251 million had been spent in the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal area for network upgrading and strengthening of networks to ensure better quality of supply.

"The bulk energy infrastructure for Mthatha city was upgraded at a cost of R39.8 million and 110 jobs were created. The upgrade of two major electricity sub-stations were also initiated. Thornhill substation was upgraded at a cost of R40 million and Sidwadwa substation at R5.8 million and 45 jobs were created. "

Meanwhile, the president said government has spent R490 million in upgrading Mthatha airport to improve its capacity.

He says a new runway has been constructed and the airport will be able to receive larger aircraft which will unlock the economic potential of the region.

Zuma says government has also decided to upgrade the terminal building in order to encourage more airlines and more passengers to use this airport and to improve the accessibility for tourists to the area.

"The improvements to be done also include a new car hire facility with a separate parking area and wash bay for car hire, a new security fence around the whole airport with parallel security road with lighting, heightening the control tower, landscaping around the new terminal building and the renovation of existing cargo building."

He says a tender for R200 million has been put out for the upgrading of the new terminal building.