As the Gauteng provincial government works with local government and the private sector to draw investment in a planned aerotropolis, MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, has issued assurances that the logistics infrastructure to support the development – which is which is expected to bring in R 8.1 billion in revenue to the province per year – is making headway.
The City of Ekurhuleni approved the 30-year Aerotropolis Master Plan late last year which will see the creation of an aerotropolis – a metropolitan sub region where the layout, infrastructure, and economy are centred on an airport.
Its core focus is the use of intermodal connectivity linked to the OR Tambo International Airport as the basis for generating economic development, particularly for time-sensitive businesses such as perishables, bio-life sciences, advanced manufacturing and aerospace.
Vadi said construction on the new 35-kilometre PWV15 – which will link the planned Tambo Springs logistics hub with the aerotropolis – was expected to start early next year.
“Apart from alleviating traffic congestion on the existing road network, the PWV15 will accelerate the development of the aerotropolis and the Tambo Springs logistics hub, and enhance the adjacent land value along the route for housing, industrial and commercial development.”
Vadi said that the highway would serve as a “catalyst” to modernise the road network in the Eastern corridor, unlock economic opportunities through the revitalisation of the manufacturing sector in Ekurhuleni, as well as allow for the free flow of freight traffic from the N3 to the N1 freeways.
The MEC also pointed out that that there would be no e-tolling on the new highway, adding that his department was also focused on relieving traffic pressure at the Gillooly’s Interchange, which has been upgraded by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) through the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.
FTW understands from a source close to the project that a tender for a 20-year concession for the development, maintenance and operation of a container terminal at Tambo Springs is expected to be announced by the middle of this year.
Dr Willie Els, director: Tambo Springs Development Company, pointed out that the local land transport distribution network created at the development would facilitate the movement of freight between other associated industrial zones or transportation hubs, including the areas that are adjoined, or were part of, OR Tambo International Airport.
“As a logistics gateway, the entire Tambo Springs operational concept and integrated functional plan created a more efficient distribution network as part of the overall Gauteng logistics platform,” said Els.
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The PWV15 will accelerate the development of the aerotropolis and the Tambo Springs logistics hub. – Ismail Vadi
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R8.1bn
The annual revenue that the development is expected to attract.
