GEORGE NEWS - George Herald recently reported on the concerns of tenants in the general aviation area at George Airport about new rental terms being laid down by Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).

The implications of the terms are far-reaching as tenants' buildings and hangars, which they have established over many years on the rented plots, are apparently to become Acsa's property. 

Tenants will, strictly speaking, then pay (a higher rental rate) to Acsa for their own buildings. They fear that Acsa will not maintain the buildings, as has happened at some other Acsa airports in the country.

In response to the tenants' concerns, Acsa issued the following statement:

"Acsa's vision is to be the most sought-after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport management solutions by 2030. To this end, Acsa has adopted the 'Recover and Sustain' strategy in which we have identified focus areas from now until 2030.

"Each contract between Acsa and aviation tenants stipulates that all tenants are entitled, at all times, to effect any repairs, alterations, improvements or additions to the airport (generically referred to as the 'development'). 

This may be required or prescribed by any lawful authority and Acsa may for such purpose erect scaffolding, boarding and/or any other works in, at, near or in front of the premises, together with such other devices as may be required by law or determined by Acsa to be necessary in order to effect such development.

"The rental of each lease contract escalates on each anniversary of the commencement date by the percentage stipulated within the contract. Furthermore, all assessment rates, taxes and other impositions which may at any time be payable in respect of the premises are communicated with the tenant prior to any adjustments being implemented."

Cleanliness and maintenance at the airport

Regarding complaints about the poor maintenance of the airport gardens and pavements as well as cleanliness of the bathroom facilities at the airport, Acsa firstly apologised to a passenger who had not been impressed during a recent flight out of George.

Acsa said, "It is contrary to what we stand for as a company, and as an airport. We are consistently in the pursuit of ensuring all our airport users and passengers have the most pleasant experience when using our airport."

Acsa said it is speeding up procurement of a landscape and gardening service provider for 12 months. This will be in place by 30 May. 

In the interim, internal staff are targeting "high priority areas" on an ad hoc basis and current cleaning and waste management service providers, "together with internal resources", are doing litter management daily where required.

"The cleaning service providers are cleaning toilets daily, and further investigation has commenced to identify possible oversights and closer alignment of cleaning frequencies with airport peak times. Please also note that the ablutions have been partially upgraded, whilst some are due to be upgraded in the next 24 months."

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