Umhlathuze seeking private sector funding for airport project

The city says it wants to move it to a more strategic location. 

Mayor Xolani Ngwezi told a briefing on Tuesday that a feasibility study has already been done.

He said the process needs to be completed within the next ten years, as the current site is also part of a land claim.

"Even where there is someone who can approach the municipality and say, ‘I'm going to do everything, I'm making an example’. The municipality will consider options that may be available."

"We are already at a stage where if there could be interested parties, I don't think the city will not want to listen with regards to investing in the airport." 

Ngwezi has also responded to the recent disruption of waste collection in the municipality that saw some ratepayers dumping their dustbins on the streets.

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"The City of Umhlathuze has decided to suspend the normal schedule for refuse removal this week and make use of the agreed-upon schedule that will ensure that refuse is collected.

"In the meantime, the Richards Bay residents wanting to off-load their bins personally can do so at Alton Station without any charges. Residents at Empangeni areas may utilise the designated areas at King Cetshwayo landfill site to offload domestic waste."