Getting on with the job

Construction is gathering momentum every week on the massive Dube TradePort site at La Mercy, as the new international airport and surrounding trade port really begin to take shape.

Progress updates are as follows:

Passenger Terminal Building:

The ground floor slab has been cast and the columns for the first floor slab are complete.  This means that the Arrivals floor structure has been finished and the work focus is now set to switch to the construction of the first floor, which will house Departures.

Cargo Terminal:

The office block area is now in the process of being completed, with brick-work in progress, air conditioning ducting being installed, the ‘valuables’ cargo room being constructed, the steel structure of which is already 60% complete.

Trade Zone:

The levelling and compaction of the Trade Zone area is now 30% complete.

Support Zone (One):

The bulk earthworks for the Support Zone (One) are already 75% complete.

Main Runway:

With the main runway’s bulk earthworks having been completed and ducting for the ground lighting system currently being laid, attention has moved to the taxiways. All the taxiways have been levelled and bulk earthworks for these elements have begun. In addition, remedial work is currently being undertaken in areas where soil conditions are poor and the quality of compaction is accordingly weak.

Air Traffic Control Tower:

Construction of the 55m high air traffic control tower is complete and the fittings for the stairways and elevator shaft have been installed. The cabin structure, to be positioned at the top the tower to house the air traffic controllers, is currently being assembled at ground level and will be lifted into place on its completion. 

Multi-Storey Car Park:

Construction of the multi-storey car park is progressing steadily with the support columns for the third and final floor now being erected.

Water Reservoir:

The floor and side walls of the reservoir have been completed. The decking for the roof structure is currently under construction. Once complete, the reservoir will have a carrying capacity of three million litres. It will provide for a three-day independent supply of water to the airport and, critically, will ensure instantly accessible water in the case of on-site fire emergencies.