“It’s your call” – Finance committee tells North West
MAHIKENG MAIL - MAHIKENG: The Select Committee on Finance has called for a high-level decision by the relevant government authorities regarding the future use of the Mahikeng Airport (renamed Dick Montshioa Airport) in the North West Province during a recent two-day oversight visit to the province.
The committee conducted an inspection of the airport and was briefed by the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport Management on a proposal to repurpose the facility into a cargo-focused airport, an aviation training school or an aircraft maintenance hub. The committee was informed that an estimated R1 billion was required to refurbish and upgrade the airport infrastructure.
Opened in 1984, the Mahikeng Airport ceased commercial operations in 2014 due to insufficient passenger numbers to sustain viable airline services.
Despite the closure, the provincial department continues to spend approximately R5 million annually on maintenance and security to preserve the facility. The committee commended the department for its continued efforts to safeguard the airport as a valuable public asset, noting that the structural integrity of the infrastructure remains largely intact.
Furthermore, the committee expressed appreciation to the provincial Department of Public Works and Roads for progress made on the Mahikeng Nursing College and on the upgrade of roads D933 and D2095, both of which are nearing completion.
Following its site visits, the Committee requested comprehensive written reports on the projects which will inform its final oversight report and subsequent recommendations.
