Massive projects in the pipeline to change KwaZulu-Natal

KWAZULU-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu yesterday confirmed his support for the R6-billion development at the Virginia Airport site reported in The Mercury last week.

He said the airport must have relocated to Scottburgh and be functional by 2017.

Mchunu said that the province was in talks with the defence force with a view to setting up a training base for pilots to ensure the new airport’s viability.

The Virginia development, said Mchunu, would allow the city to extend the beach promenade from Blue Lagoon to the Gateway shopping mall. It should be completed by 2022.

Further “catalytic” projects included the possible development of another runway at King Shaka International Airport.

Expansion of the Richards Bay port to a major bulk container terminal.

Durban Harbour set for a massive facelift.

Construction of the passenger cruise terminal.

The proposed dig-out port getting under way only once the Durban and Richards Bay ports were fully utilised and had been upgraded.

An upgrade at EB Cloete interchange, which included a massive arched bridge.

A R1.3-billion upgrade to rail signalling and the railway network between Durban, Richards Bay and Mozambique.

A bypass road on the southern side of Pietermaritzburg.

Plans for water storage on the Mdloti, Mvoti and uThukela rivers. A desalination plant should not be ruled out as the province became drier with climate change.

Film studio plans for the old Natal Command site would be announced in “a few months”.