SA, DRC airport deal in doubt

The SA, DRC multi-million rand airport deal hangs in the balance

August 08, 2008, 05:45
Mahlatse Gallens
South Africa's multi-million rand deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is hanging in the balance. The two countries signed a deal that would have seen Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) refurbishing the DRC's five major airports.

But the DRC now says it wants the deal removed from the bi-national agreements as it has found a new partner. This was revealed during a mid-term review of agreements between the two countries. Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi however still believes the deal can still be salvaged.

Fraser-Moleketi says they have engaged on the matter and doesn't think the award has been made. She says they are awaiting a response from the Minister of Transport. The Minister of Foreign affairs will also follow up on the issue.

Sources now say the matter has been referred to Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Joseph Kabila. Meanwhile, Fraser-Moleketi says other agreements that include training Congolese government officials to build capacity and restructure the security forces are progressing well.




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