The Dube TradePort (DTP) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday opened the bidding process for the appointment of a company to operate and manage the cargo terminal for a fixed period.

Durban's 'aerotropolis', which would consist of the Dube TradePort and new international airport, was set to be operational by 2010, and would comprise a new international passenger and cargo airport facility; a trade zone; a support zone; an agricultural zone; and a cyber port.

The closing date for the tender is December 1.

Construction on the new R8-billion DTP and international airport development at La Mercy was reportedly on track, despite the project starting almost 70 days late because of the delay in its environmental approval in 2007.

"The complex is on target to be opened in May 2010 - before the FIFA World Cup - with construction on the sprawling site streaking ahead, having already reached the roof stage," said Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) spokesperson Suren Naidoo said recently.

"By our accounts, the contractor has already made up this time through a subsequent expediting agreement having been signed between Acsa and the Ilembe Consortium," he added.

Edited by: Mariaan Olivier

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