Vereeniging Airport in Gauteng has lost its licence following alleged tender irregularities of between R100 000 and R180 000. The FF Plus and the DA claim the irregularities are possibly the reason the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) cancelled the airport’s licence.

The parties claim that money approved for maintenance, including to erect a fence and replace stolen runway lights, was never used for this purpose.

According to BusinessTech, a tender of R180 000 was approved in July last year for refurbishment.

The FF Plus says in a statement that airport licences must be renewed annually, subject to strict auditing and inspections. “Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines or even closure. In the case of Vereeniging Airport, the deficient fencing was the main reason for the step.”

The party says the SACAA requires secure fencing. The current, broken fence allows uncontrolled access to the premises and puts the fuel depot at risk, making it inadequate.

Sibusiso Dyonase, DA councillor, says this will have various consequences for the already struggling economy in the Vaal area.

“The council chairperson and the mayor must now explain why more than R100 000 was allocated, but no refurbishment took place. Sedibeng deserves better,” Dyonase says in a statement.

The airport falls under the Sedibeng district.

SOURCE: Die Papier