Drone testing facility on the cards for Newcastle?
Newcastle Municipality recently disclosed the details of its application for the establishment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drones) research and testing facility.
A state of the art facility; the first of its kind in South Africa.
Newcastle Municipality recently disclosed the details of its application for the establishment of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drones) research and testing facility.
An extract from the Newcastle’s of the World newsletter stated the municipality had received donor funding from the European Union. The funds would be used to service the land next to the airport for the development of the facility referred to as a ‘technology hub’.
“Funding was sourced by Provincial Treasury as part of the proposal to establish four Techno Parks in KwaZulu-Natal province,” said Director for Economic Development, Ferdie Alberts.
The municipality submitted an application to the National Airspace Committee (NASCOM) to reserve airspace for the testing of drones.
“A site of approximately 28 hectares adjacent to the existing airport has been identified as potential Techno hub site. A land surveyor has recently been appointed to do a survey of the area and the findings of this survey has now been given to urban planners and architects to come up with design proposals,” he explained.
Mr Alberts said founding the facility was not in fact necessary. However, the reasoning behind the application could not be faulted.
“It is part of our strategy to broaden the economic base of Newcastle,” he stated. “We want to attract industries that are involved in high tech activities.”
The bigger picture
The municipality’s aim is to attract investment from companies involved in the development of drone equipment. In addition, Mr Alberts said there would likely be opportunities for local specialists.
“New opportunities will become available for our local people, as new skills will be required.”
Mr Alberts revealed the municipality’s application for restricted airspace had since been denied. However, all hope had not been lost.
“They have agreed that we can submit a revised application for frequently used air space. We are currently busy with this application,” he concluded.
Should the application be granted in the coming months, Newcastle will be the only town in South Africa where drones can be tested.
What are your thoughts on the establishment of such a specialised facility? Email us at ncschools@caxton.co.za.
