Construction of a new airport in Somerset East in the Eastern Cape is expected to be completed by mid-2014, according to the Blue Crane Development Agency, which is responsible for the development.
Rob Beach, business manager Blue Crane Development Agency, said construction was expected to start in mid-November and the airport would take six to eight months to complete. According to him, 65% of the work on the runway has already been done and this will fast-track development.
IOL reported earlier this week that Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti announced the development at a memorial ceremony last week. “The airport will be a regional operation to boost tourism and commercial activity in the area,” she was quoted as saying.
Rob told eTNW that the airport would not cost R413 million as initially reported. Development of the airport would cost an estimated R12 million, he said, while additional funds would be invested in a paved road between Somerset East and Addo as well as a peace monument.
