By Edwin Tshivhidzo, tel:
Polokwane - The new state-of-the art Polokwane International Airport is set to attract more foreign tourists and contribute to growing the province's economy during and well beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
As a host city, Polokwane will benefit tremendously from the new international terminal when thousands of soccer fans from around the world stream into the province.
It is expected that the Polokwane Airport will service about 200 000 passengers per annum. It is also set to become the international gateway to Africa due to its position in southern Africa.
Opening the new building terminal, Limpopo MEC for Roads and Transport Justice Piitso said on Tuesday the airport would become one of the fastest growing in the region, servicing not just the country but the entire Southern African Development Community.
"We will be going all out to woo investors, both domestic and foreign so that they can come and join hands with us, the infrastructure that we are putting in place will be reason enough for those who want to join hands with us in our endeavour to grow the economy and create decent and sustainable jobs," said MEC Piitso.
Polokwane Mayor Thabo Makunyane, expressed delight at the new airport building saying this was a major milestone in preparing to host matches in 2010.
"We will now be able to welcome everybody to our province," he said.
Airport Board Chairperson Laduma Thebe said the new building had already boosted staff morale. The staff would be vital in ensuring the tourists felt welcome on their arrival.
Construction on the new building was started in 2001 and was finally completed this year.
Also speaking at the event, Director General from the National Department of Transport Mpumi Mpofu said the province should take full advantage of the airport, to strengthen its role in the economic growth of the province," she said.
Ms Mpumi expressed confidence that the airport will be able to meet demand as it grows and becomes busier.
Meanwhile, the construction of new stadium in Polokwane is well underway, it was reported at the event. - BuaNews
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