×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

New gateway to Africa .

UNVEILING: Hlamalani Manzini, Limpopo's director-general; Mpumi Mpofu, director of transport and MEC for roads and transport Justice Pitso at the official opening of Polokwane International Airport's new terminal building. Pic. Elijar Mushiana. © Sowetan.
UNVEILING: Hlamalani Manzini, Limpopo's director-general; Mpumi Mpofu, director of transport and MEC for roads and transport Justice Pitso at the official opening of Polokwane International Airport's new terminal building. Pic. Elijar Mushiana. © Sowetan.

Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

A new state-of-the-art terminal building, set to catapult the Polokwane International Airport to being a new gateway to Africa, was opened yesterday.

The new building will allow an increase of the carrying capacity of both cargo and passenger planes at the airport.

The building is fitted with modern facilities that include dual baggage conveyer belts, TV monitors displaying flight information and security monitors.

It is four times the size of the old building, providing visitors the ideal space to relax while waiting for their flight.

Constructions work on the terminal building started in 2005 and has since created both temporary and permanent jobs for hundreds of people in the construction and hospitality industries.

Delivering the keynote address, provincial MEC for roads and transport Justice Piitso said the opening of the new building was an indication that Limpopo was ready for the 2010 World Cup Soccer Games.

"As a department charged with the responsibility of ensuring safe, accessible and affordable transport, we will continue to serve people in Limpopo with precision and distinction," Piitso said.

"As the years go by generations will look at the upgrading of this building as one of the building blocks of the process geared to enhancing economic activity in the province."

Piitso said the strides they were making in developing the airport would lay a solid base to ensure it became one of the fastest growing airports in the region, "serving not just South Africa but the entire Southern African Development Community region."

He also said several roads in Polokwane City were in the process of being revamped to ease congestion during the soccer tournament.

There will also be development of more roads to link venues for the 2010 World Cup that included fun parks and places of accommodation.

A new railway station was also earmarked for construction to transport people from the city to areas around Seshego and Mankweng, Piitso said.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.