Transport Minister Jeff Radebe is to help Port Elizabeth with the fast tracking of its planned infrastructure expansion in preparation for World Cup 2010, a move which is supported by the provincial government.

Opening extensions at PE Airport earlier in May, Radebe says his department is behind the metro’s upgrade plans which include:
• changes to the city’s road networks – possibly including the removal of part of the Settlers Freeway;
• development of tourism infrastructure, including a further upgrade of the Port Elizabeth Airport; and
• construction of a new leisure and entertainment centre at the city’s harbour.

The harbour area which currently holds the manganes ore and fuel tanks in Humewood is also earmarked as waterfront development.

The city also plans to soon embark on a major rehabilitation and rejuvenation of Port Elizabeth’s central business district.

Radebe adds that his ministry supports the metro’s plan to transform Port Elizabeth into an industrial development zone that stretches from the airport to Coega, ensuring that the metro is the southern base of a corridor of economic activity that includes the ports of Port Elizabeth and Ngqura, the airport, the rail and road system.

He further points out that, with the metro earmarked as one of South Africa’s host cities for the World Cup 2010, it is imperative that further upgrades of the local airport should take place which would not only cater for the World Cup, but for other tourism opportunities.

“International experience shows that countries honoured to host international competitions witness massive increases in tourism and business related travel in the years following the event.