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30th March 2007
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Of the total spend, R3-billion has been channelled into infrastructure development, which includes the central terminal building, the international pier, an upgrade of terminal A (departures) and additional parking. Owing to increased passenger volumes – a total of 12 158 425 passengers in 2002, compared with 17 242 950 in 2006 – augmenting the capacity of ORTIA’s infrastructure is vital, especially in light of further increases expected with the 2010 soccer World Cup.
Hlekane estimates that between 20-million and 22-million passengers will use ORTIA during 2010. Current infrastructure developments, to be completed in 2009, will handle about 25-million passengers. Hlekane says that, although the peak of passenger volumes during the event would probably be higher, he is confident that the airport will manage. He adds that the capacity of the customs and immigration points will also be boosted to ensure speedy processing of passengers during this time.
The central terminal building is scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2009 and Hlekane comments that construction is on track. The terminal will integrate the international and domestic terminals and link them to a public transport centre. Hlekane explains that a public transport terminal is included in the airport’s development plan. The Gautrain will be integrated into the central terminal building, and infrastructure for taxis, buses and other modes of transport will be provided. Hlekane says that the aim is to furnish passengers with a menu of standardised public transport options that are reliable, convenient and safe.
“It is very important, as an airport, to standardise the product of public transport – to possibly have taxis that can be identified with the airport, for example. The aim is to create a seamless passenger experi- ence.”
The international pier is progressing to schedule for completion in the second quarter of 2008. In order to add value, elements of the development will be put into operation as they are completed. As the international departure terminal has been experiencing the most congestion, it is currently being upgraded. Externally, a new roadway will be built and the undercover area that houses the current road will serve as an extension to the international departure hall.
The construction of a second multistorey parkade is under way and bays will be rolled out as they become available – about 1 000 bays will be available in July this year. The entire 4 500-parking-bay structure will be completed by the first quarter of 2009. Technology is also being employed to ease parking issues at the airport. Empty bay detection helps people locate free parking spaces, the variable message signs software has been updated and the website offers real-time information about the parking situation.
Security issues, in particular access control and baggage pilferage, are receiving additional attention in the build-up to 2010. Last year, new access permits were introduced and currently there is a project under way in which improved technology is being applied to vehicle access procedures and the tracking and management of vehicle movement at the airport.
Baggage pilferage at ORTIA has been a serious issue that has attracted substantial public attention. Hlekane says that although details cannot be revealed, efforts in collaboration with South African Airways in December last year showed improvement.
A number of arrests were made, additional cameras have been installed, and the South African Police Service has been deployed, all with the objective of eliminating the problem completely, says Hlekane.
As staff members have previously been implicated in criminal activity at the airport, lifestyle audits have been introduced to determine who employees interact with, and if there is potential for criminal behaviour. The recruitment process has also been refined in a project carried out in conjunction with other State agencies.
Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu
