Dispute ends

South Africa: A land dispute between the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has been resolved, paving the way for construction of Durban's new ZAR 2 billion (US$ 319 million) airport. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2007.

The King Shaka International Airport, located in a proposed industrial development zone, was first mooted 35 years ago by the then ruling National Party. It was initially planned to be operational by 1981, then 1988, followed by 2006, and now 2009.

ASCA expects the new airport to be operational by 2009, well ahead of the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament, which will be held in South Africa. Four bids have been short-listed for construction of the airport. The winner will be announced in September and construction is due to start early next year. Once complete, ACSA will operate the airport on a 10 -year concession.