A meeting was held between the Executive Management Team of Bitou Local Municipality, led by the acting municipal manager, Mr. J. B. Douglas and CEMAIR, on Thursday, 22 March 2018.
The following facts and / or arrangements were noted by both parties at the closure of the meeting:
- That the suspension of the activities of Cemair is withdrawn with immediate effect subject to the submission of CAA approval certificates regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft being utilized by Cemair;
- That Cemair may use the airport similar to that of a normal client / user, paying the applicable approved landing and parking fees;
- That the matter of passenger fees payable be investigated, awaiting a report from Cemair indicating the contribution of the carrier in this regard;
- That the municipality takes note that the account of Cemair is being disputed by Cemair;
- That the Acting Municipal Manager will table a comprehensive report to Council, detailing the chronology of events since CEMAIR started with its operations at the Plettenberg Bay Airport in March 2014;
- That the above-mentioned report include the aspect of the account being disputed as a result of an alleged absence of an agreement.
Bitou Municipality, in terms of its legal mandate, derived from the Constitution, Council policies and a plethora of legislation, and regulations, will continue to observe and implement all applicable legal prescripts without fear, favour or prejudice. A particular responsibility is to ensure all revenue, due to it, is collected so that the budget targets can be met, so that service delivery are not compromised.
Finally, the administration has noted with dismay, even alarm, some of the comments, for the most without any factual premise, particularly on social media, as well as the print media. Bitou therefore urges citizens to first seek to obtain the relevant facts in a matter, before commenting. Comments from the public are otherwise welcomed, to the extent that it contributes to strengthening developmental local government as it both deepens local democracy and enhance good governance, as legislation enjoins municipalities to make communities part of its affairs. However prejudice, of any form, advanced in some comments, is counter-productive and against the letter and spirit of the Chapter 2 (Bill of Rights), of the Constitution.
Media Enquiries:
Manfred Van Rooyen
Manager: Communications & Customer Care
Contact: 063 407 3112
E-mail: mvrooyen1@gmail.com (temporary)
CC: MvanRooyen@plett.gov.za
Issued by Bitou Local Municipality
23 March 2018
