SEDIBENG.- Plans for the Vaal Aerotropolis are moving forward!

The proposed R22.6b international airport, led by Vaal Aerozone, is planned across parts of 13 farms in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) and will serve as a key freight and logistics hub set to transform Emfuleni and the Sedibeng District. Reports said the proposed Vaal Aerotropolis will be the only airport in Gauteng where combined air cargo services are designed and planned as a priority, with four flexible freighter stands.

It is set to have an initial capacity of 7.2 million passengers and 150 000 tons of freight per annum, serving as a crucial catalyst for global business and trade, just 50 minutes by road from Johannesburg and positioned to serve the global market.

The Aerotropolis, it is said, will feature extensive road networks, including direct access to the N1.

Plans are set to include a 4.2km international runway designed to accommodate Code F aircraft, among the world’s largest, with two rapid-exit taxiways. It will be positioned as a major freight and logistics hub and Special Economic Zone with an agri-zone, agricultural hubs, trade facilities, offices, hospitality, medical facilities, solar farm and retail spaces, projected to create around 12 000 construction jobs and 6 000 permanent operational jobs.

The project is said to currently be going through environmental authorisation and regulatory processes, with construction planned for 2029 to 2031 and operations from 2032. The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) has reportedly estimated the total cost of the project at R22.6b, with the airport alone accounting for R12.2b.

The planned airport is envisioned to host a hotel with over 90 rooms.

The development of the Vaal Aerotropolis, it is said, forms part of the larger proposed Vaal SEZ, which aims to restore the Vaal Triangle to its industrial heights.

Makhosonke Sangweni, ELM spokesperson, confirmed the reports.

The project is a national government project and involves all spheres of government.

The SEZ was first announced by former Gauteng Premier David Makhura during his State of the Province (SoPA) address in February 2020. Planned projects included developments at Vaal Marina, Savannah City, and Vaal River City, as well as logistics and mining investments in the Heidelberg region. Earlier this year, the Department of Trade, Industry and Commerce held public consultations on the planned designation of the Vaal SEZ.

Meanwhile, Sangweni said, “The project is a national government project and involves all spheres of government.”

Vaal Aerozone published a background information document on the aerotropolis on September 30 as part of its application for environmental authorisation and has called on concerned parties to partake in the public participation process by submitting written comments to the environmental assessment practitioner, EMS Africa, before December 2.

These comments will be incorporated into the final environmental scoping report, which will then be submitted to the Gauteng Department of Environment.

For more on the Vaal Aerotropolis visit www.vaalaerozone.co.za.