Question NW3344 to the Minister of Transport

Reply:

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

​3.1 Terminal Optimisation Project (R30 million)

• 3.1.1 Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a project to optimise the terminal configuration of Chief Dawid Sturman airport was initiated. This project sought update and expand ablution facilities, provide additional security screening capacity and departure lounge capacity as well. There were also plans to improve the commercial facilities in the departure holding lounge (additional private lounge space and coffee shop).  The project had progressed to conceptual design stage, when the project was halted in 2020 and its contract terminated in April 2021 on account of COVID-19 and its impact on the financial sustainability of ACSA.
• 3.1.2 We recently received a traffic outlook in August 2022 which validates the requirements of our capital programmes based on envisaged traffic demand. We therefore intend on re-initiating the project planning processes in early 2023, subject to funding availability. We will complete the design process, and the works are intended to be complete by 2026/2027. The construction period is extended as a result of the works being constructed within an operational environment. This near term project will allow ease of operations and will improve the passenger experience, as we commence work on a major terminal expansion which is required at the airport in the medium term.

3.2 Landside Optimization ​​(R17 million)

• 3.2.1 A project to optimise landside parking was also initiated pre-COVID-19 and was similarly halted and its contract terminated. This project entails the re-organisation and optimisation of the existing parking. The boundary between car rental and public parking will be relocated, with parking re-assigned between car rental and public parking.  The ingress and egress layout will also be re-organised in-line with the parking reassignment. The project had reached detailed design stage and the project planning will be re-initiated (subject to funding availability) in early 2023, with completion expected in 2025.

​3.3  Major Terminal Expansion (R1,3 Billion)

• 3.3.1  We had also partially completed a precinct plan for Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport prior to the COVID -19 pandemic. This precinct plan will inform the landside developments of a multi-storey parkade and the extent to which the full terminal building can be expanded towards the landside to create additional terminal depth.
• 3.3.2 We intend on using these plans to initiate a major terminal expansion for the airport. The design processes for this terminal will commence in 2025. The project is intended to provide a new terminal module with a new processing facility. It is envisaged that the terminal development will entail the demolition of a part of the existing terminal and reconstruction of a new building on the existing site. The new building will have double the footprint of the existing terminal. Passenger loading bridges will be introduced. Due to the magnitude of this project, we anticipate a development period of 8 years including design, approvals, procurement and construction.
• 3.3.3 Capital programmes for the next 5 years are currently under discussion with the aviation industry as part of the economic regulation processes. The extent to which this project can be expedited will be dependent on the overall financial position of ACSA, the capital profile for the group, as well as affordability and fundability considerations from industry.
• 3.3.4 We also intend on reviewing the master plan for the airport within the medium term.