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Construction contract signed for La Mercy Airport and Dube Tradeport

Analysis

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) signed (06-Jun-07) USD938

million contract with the Ilembe Consortium for design and construction of a

new airport and Dube TradePort at La Mercy, North of Durban.

The signing ceremony was conducted in the presence of senior members of ACSA, Ilembe and DubeTradePort at the ACSA offices in Johannesburg. The La Mercy project is the largest that ACSA embarked upon to date.

"This is an important step in the right direction. Our main aim is to ensure that the airport is ready for 2010. Since late last year, we have been engaging with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all legal and governance requirements were met," says Ms Monhla Hlahla, ACSA's Managing Director.

Ms Hlahla further pointed out that although the contract had been signed, ACSA was legally bound not to commence any form of construction on the site before a decision was made based on the outcome of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study. Hlahla explained: "ACSA, as a corporate citizen will continue to follow due process in all matters relating to this project and the same will apply for the EIA study. Signing of the contract allows both ACSA and Ilembe to start certain processes within the construction and design framework considering the schedule involved in delivering the airport by 2010".

The contract between ACSA and Ilembe is a process of both parties affirming the final design, functional flexibility, expansion flexibility and features of the airport. The contract has no bearing on the EIA process as the two are two separate matters.

The Ilembe Consortium consists of major shareholders Group Five, WBHO and Total Facilities Management Corporation as well as a large group of KZN empowered organizations. The approach adopted by the Consortium is to utilize a combination of both the best local and international consultants and advisors with airport experience to deliver the project.

Mr Mavimbela highlighted that the contract results from a rigorous process which has taken place over the past year culminating in the design of a world class airport. This has been achieved through the efforts of the teams from ACSA, DTP and Ilembe and an understanding of the importance and the timeframe of delivering an airport for 2010 World Cup.

The EIA report has been submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) for the Minister to issue a 'record of decision'. Once the EIA decision has been issued by DEAT, ACSA will make further announcements regarding the project.

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