CIA unused land set to boost economic growth

CAPE Town International Airport's (CIA) gm, Monwabisi Kalawe, hosted a seminar on Tuesday to discuss how 600 hectares of prime land at the airport could be utilised, with the potential of growing into a dynamic hub of commercial, industrial and retail activity. An independent development economist from the United States, Randall Gross, briefed various stakeholders from government, business, tourism and trade industries on the growth strategy for the airport. "This is the first of six phases to shape economic development at the airport and thus position the province as an esteemed participant in the global economy. CIA has various sector growth opportunities including tourism and conventions." Kalawe said that Gross had clearly identified the strengths and weaknesses of the airport and defined the growth areas and successes of other countries such as Australia and Malaysia. "These inputs will help ACSA (Airports Company South Africa) to adopt a market-driven land development strategy and policy," he added. CIA expects 12m passengers to move through its facilities by the year 2015, while ACSA aims to spend more than R500m over the next five years to expand and improve infrastructure at the airport. (Miguel de Sousa)