The Somerset East Airfield, worth a whopping R53 million, has become stagnant and nothing more than a grazing field for stray cattle.
That’s according to Democratic Alliance (DA), MPL Vicky Knoetze, who claims the Blue Crane Route Local Municipality is failing to act.
The airfield, which was opened in January 2016, has a 1.2km runway and was built by the Cacadu Development Agency in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.
Knoetze says the airfield was supposed to be the gateway for the transportation of domestic produce and tourism to the Zuurberg Heritage Corridor, as well as a catalyst for significant economic and industrial development in the region.
“Instead, it has become a death trap, riddled with stray animals, because the municipality has failed to replace a fence that was stolen in 2016, despite numerous requests for it to do so, and has failed to establish a functioning pound for stray animals in the area.”
Knoetze said that a private air school which was making use of the facilities and providing local accommodation for students also had to be closed due to the airfield not being operational.
She said she had submitted questions for written reply to the MEC of COGTA, Xolile Nqata, asking for clarity around the alleged stolen fencing and when it would be replaced.
“If nothing is done to ensure the reinstatement of this airstrip, then it is R53-million of wasted taxpayers’ money, and nothing more than another white elephant for this province,” said Knoetze.
The Blue Crane Route Local Municipality said that it was seeking funding to replace the fencing.
Municipal Manager, Mandisi Planga, says they are also looking at reinstating the airfield's 24-hour security.
-African News Agency (ANA)
