14 Aug 2013

The cost and commencement date for the construction of an airport in Serowe are still unknown.

The 2007-2008 annual development plan for the Central District projects shows that the project, for which the feasibility study was conducted, was earmarked for that particular year, but never took off.

Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) public affairs manager, Mr Modipe Nkwe explained in an interview that the initial development site for the airport was abandoned at implementation stage.

Mr Nkwe said the start of the project was dependent on the availability of funds for environmental impact assessment study, compensation of plot owners around the new site, consultancy services and construction.

He explained that the project was delayed owing to pending identification of a new site within Serowe and lack of funds.  

Again, he explained that initially, it was proposed that the airfield be located between Serowe and Palapye along the Serowe/Palapye road (approximately 20km from Serowe) for common service to the two villages, reduced maintenance costs and minimise operational costs such as utilities and manpower resources.

Consultations however, he said, revealed that other locations were on the Morupule coal field hence not advisable to use the area to allow for future exploitation of the resource.

As a result, he said they have considered Botepetepe area (to the right of the approach road to Serowe near the A1 camp), as the appropriate site for the project.

However, he could not state the size of the airfield, which he said was dependent on a number of parameters such as traffic projections in relation to development in the area, provision of private airfield in the area and funding.

The project, he said, would comprise a 2km runway with support facilities; access and perimeter and internal roads, water and power supply to site; arrivals shed (510sqm) and four staff houses, a guard house and landscaping. 

Again, Mr Nkwe could not say how much the project was going to cost arguing that divulging such information would influence the outcome of the tenders.  “The cost will not be made public until tenders are received,” he said. 

On its duration, he said the expectation was that it would take not more than 24 months once construction has started.

Meanwhile, Mr Nkwe noted that like all other airfields in the country, other than social needs, there was limited economic benefit to the provision of such an airfield. 

Nevertheless, he said taking into account the developments such as Morupule Colliery, power plant and a glass manufacturing factory in Palapye, there could be some economic benefits such as revenue from aeronautical charges. 

“This is however subject to review of the feasibility study, if necessary, for the provision of the airfield.” Mr Nkwe pointed out that from the social aspect, the airfield would enhance easy connection with other major centres and facilitate disaster relief and mercy operations.

Serowe by virtue of its location, he said, becomes an entry into the pristine Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta from the north side of South Africa and the southern part of Botswana.

Also, he said the development of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology in Palapye and the development of coal mining in the Central District would benefit from this project.

Mr Nkwe stated that no market research was done as some airfields countrywide, were provided for social needs such as Casualty Evacuation, mercy flights as well as Search and Rescue operations. ENDS