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Durban - The new King Shaka International Airport should encourage new opportunities for growth in business and tourism, said President Jacob Zuma while launching the airport on Saturday.
"At provincial and local government level, now is the time to encourage new investment in tourism products that are prized and
attractive for foreign visitors," said Zuma.
Zuma said the airport was a missing piece of the puzzle to enable growth and development for KwaZulu-Natal and the country.
"Durban was the only city that lacked the aviation infrastructure that was able to accommodate international flights,"
Zuma said.
King Shaka International Airport opened for business on May 1.
The facility can accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers and took 33 months to build.
Zuma said he felt a sense of fulfilment and personal joy as he was the MEC for economic development in KwaZulu-Natal when the
project first began.
“This project has set new benchmarks as far as global infrastructure is concerned... It involved relocation of both cargo
and passenger business, from the old airport to these new facilities in one night,” said Zuma.
He said infrastructure investment programme was doing wonders for the country economically and socially.
Zuma congratulated Premier Zweli Mkhize and other political parties in the province for their support in building the airport.
He also said he wanted to thank 8 000 workers who built the facility.
The airport was a huge economic boost for areas such as Verulam, Tongaat and Stanger.
Attending the function was transport Minister Sbu Ndebele, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, Higher
Education Minister Blade Nzimande and Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Over 200 people who were seated in a marquee outside the airport attendent the event.
Ndebele said that after the 2010 Fifa World Cup the public would be consulted on what to do with the old airport.
On Saturday a statute of King Shaka Zulu was also unveiled at the new airport.
Zuma said the opening of the airport was a perfect way to celebrate, as Sunday, would mark a year since the new
administration came into government.
- Sapa