Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) are currently engaged with inter-departmental technical meetings regarding the future development of O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).
An inter-departmental evaluation of ACSA’s Master Plan for ORTIA and its proposed incorporation into Ekurhuleni will be completed by the end of October 2006.
The relevant Departmental Portfolio resolutions regarding the airport development proposals will be submitted to the Mayoral Committee for a final decision where after a public announcement will be made.
The above process follows an approval, in principle, of the infrastructure requirements approach by the ACSA Board of Directors. The Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe has also been notified accordingly.
Following the abovementioned public announcement ACSA and EMM propose an extensive engagement process with all stakeholders including direct contact with individual residents as well as carrying advertisements in local media advising of the public participation process.
“We fully understand the anxiety caused by recent reports, however, there is a strong sense of urgency and commitment amongst the different role players. It is in that spirit that we would like to present the proposal to the affected communities as soon as possible.”
“It is absolutely vital that we thoroughly assess the situation prior to the commencement of the public participation process. In that regard, we request that the community exercise patience and not make any hasty decisions with regards to their properties,” concludes Chris Hlekane, General Manager of O.R. Tambo International Airport.
