Sikhuphe airport will collapse, warns Moi Moi

LOBAMBA – The hurried construction of the Sikhuphe International Airport would have disastrous consequences, Senator Moi Moi Masilela has warned.

The senator said Swaziland had set unrealistic targets of completing the airport due to unnecessary pressure from the 2010 soccer World Cup to be hosted by South Africa.
“As a result of the pressure we will end up building an airport that is not up to standard, something that would result in the tarmac collapsing when flights land.”

Senator Masilela told the Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi during the Senate Portfolio Committee debate of the second quarter report that the airport will collapse just like the cracked houses.
“Let’s not rush the airport in the name of meeting deadlines but we should take our time to avoid having a structure that’s of poor standards.

“Those that are against the construction of the airport are happy now because they know that the project won’t reach the required standard, so let’s be careful,” Senator Masilela advised.
On the other hand, Senator Chief Kusa asked the minister if there was any form of assurance that the airport would not be a white elephant because the country has still not met the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

In its report the ministry stated that ‘the Sikhuphe airport that is being built will not receive a license from ICAO’ unless compliance issues were adhered to.
“I was excited that this airport would bring economic development to the area but I’m now disappointed.

What is the ministry doing to meet the compliance demands and why is government not transparent regarding the matter?” the senator wondered, further drawing the minister’s attention that may be enlisting the assistance of ICAO would help solve the problem.
The minister is yet to give written answers to the committee.