In a bid to intensity their indefinite nationwide general strike which began on Sunday, protestors in Nepal has said it would not allow Ministers to enter their offices from Wednesday. Protesters hoped to disrupt the government by blocking streets and have demanded that residents halt all travel and keep businesses and schools closed in their nationwide strike.
The strike has thus shut down most businesses, schools and transport, with daily activity grinding to a complete standstill. Thousands of Maoist supporters began enforcing the indefinite shutdown across the Himalayan nation, demanding the government make way for a national unity coalition headed by the Maoists and demand the prime minister's resignation.
Nepal government has started evacuating scores of tourists stranded by a general strike called by Maoist former rebels in a political standoff with the government that could imperil a peace deal.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
ASH WARNINGS FOR THE UK
THE Iceland met office issued a warning yesterday (May 4), saying that the most recent ash cloud may affect airspace over the north of the UK over the next few days.
This follows a change in the direction of the wind.
The met office expects the wind to continue to blow in the same direction until at least Thursday but confirmed that it could continue for the next few days. Authorities have also warned that the ash could cause more disruptions later in the week and periodically throughout the summer.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in an update stated: “Airspace over the UK is still being impacted by ash. While levels are now such that operations are possible, in line with the standards agreed by engine manufacturers, safety restrictions will remain in place.”
As such, operations will be in line with the CAA’s Revised Airspace Guidance that requires airlines to:
• Conduct their own risk assessment and develop operational procedures to address any remaining risks;
• Put in place an intensive maintenance ash damage inspection before and after each flight; and
• Report any ash-related incidents to a reporting scheme run by the CAA
This follows a change in the direction of the wind.
The met office expects the wind to continue to blow in the same direction until at least Thursday but confirmed that it could continue for the next few days. Authorities have also warned that the ash could cause more disruptions later in the week and periodically throughout the summer.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in an update stated: “Airspace over the UK is still being impacted by ash. While levels are now such that operations are possible, in line with the standards agreed by engine manufacturers, safety restrictions will remain in place.”
As such, operations will be in line with the CAA’s Revised Airspace Guidance that requires airlines to:
• Conduct their own risk assessment and develop operational procedures to address any remaining risks;
• Put in place an intensive maintenance ash damage inspection before and after each flight; and
• Report any ash-related incidents to a reporting scheme run by the CAA
Monday, May 3, 2010
HK GOLF COURSE ROLLS-OUT SOLAR POWERED CARTS
The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Hong Kong has introduced the world’s first fleet of solar-powered golf carts, which are expected to cut carbon emissions by about 30 tonnes
per year.
Channel NewsAsia reported that solar-cell roof panels, fitted to 205 carts, capture and convert sunlight into energy. The club estimates the new carts will save it more than US$50,000 per year.
In addition, the course is planning to bring customers to the venue on solar hybrid powered Ferries, the report added.
per year.
Channel NewsAsia reported that solar-cell roof panels, fitted to 205 carts, capture and convert sunlight into energy. The club estimates the new carts will save it more than US$50,000 per year.
In addition, the course is planning to bring customers to the venue on solar hybrid powered Ferries, the report added.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM GROWS 7% IN 2010
International tourism is steadily gaining momentum, with worldwide tourist arrivals increasing 7% in the first two months of 2010, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Growth was positive in all world regions during the first two months of 2010 led by Asia and the Pacific (+10%). African arrivals climbed 7%, but the pace of growth was slower in Europe (+3%)
and in the Americas (+3%).
The January-February results follow the upturn registered in the last quarter of 2009 when
arrivals grew by 2% after 14 consecutive months of negative results. Though data for March
2010 is still limited, the UNWTO has reported that the positive trend is set to continue, however the Icelandic volcano situation is likely to have impacted results in April.
Growth was positive in all world regions during the first two months of 2010 led by Asia and the Pacific (+10%). African arrivals climbed 7%, but the pace of growth was slower in Europe (+3%)
and in the Americas (+3%).
The January-February results follow the upturn registered in the last quarter of 2009 when
arrivals grew by 2% after 14 consecutive months of negative results. Though data for March
2010 is still limited, the UNWTO has reported that the positive trend is set to continue, however the Icelandic volcano situation is likely to have impacted results in April.
CHINA LIFTS HIV TRAVEL BAN
China has lifted a law which banned tourists to the country if they have HIV or Aids, the BBC has reported.
The ban was lifted in time for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
The World Heath Organization welcomed the decision, calling it “a significant step in the
right direction”.
The ban was lifted in time for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
The World Heath Organization welcomed the decision, calling it “a significant step in the
right direction”.
ROVOS RAIL SETS UP TRUST FUND
ROVOS Rail has set up a trust fund in memory of three of its staff members who died in the incident in Pretoria recently.
The fund has been set up to support the families of those staff members now and in the future. Details of the trust fund are available on the Rovos Rail website http://www.rovos.com/accident-info.html
Rovos Rail said it was confident that the outcome of the extensive investigations into the incident would result in safer railways for all and that its operations would continue uninterrupted and in accordance with published schedules.“In spite of the significant loss of rolling stock in the accident, we will be operating all journeys as published on our current schedules albeit, in some cases, on smaller trains in than in the past.”
The fund has been set up to support the families of those staff members now and in the future. Details of the trust fund are available on the Rovos Rail website http://www.rovos.com/accident-info.html
Rovos Rail said it was confident that the outcome of the extensive investigations into the incident would result in safer railways for all and that its operations would continue uninterrupted and in accordance with published schedules.“In spite of the significant loss of rolling stock in the accident, we will be operating all journeys as published on our current schedules albeit, in some cases, on smaller trains in than in the past.”
DURBAN AIR TRAVEL
CHANGE OVER OF AIRPORTS: 01 MAY 2010
Please be advised that on 01 May 2010 the new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) becomes operational for all Durban-bound air travel. The existing Durban International Airport will be decommissioned; although it may be used for a temporary period during the Soccer World Cup event if required.
All flights into Durban up to and including Friday 30 April 2010 will operate from the current airport. From 01 May 2010, all flights will officially operate out of the new airport which is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city centre.
Please factor in extra time to get to and from KSIA and bear in mind that if you are travelling in one direction before 30 April and back after 01 May, that you may need a shuttle between the two airports.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
ACSA will provide a shuttle transfer between King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) and Durban International Airport (DIA) which will cover the cost for passengers that leave cars at DIA from 01 May for one week only.
Thereafter transportation between both airports will be for the passenger’s account and they will have to arrange transfers themselves.
Please be advised that SANRAL has just confirmed that the new Toll Plaza on the southbound on-ramp towards Durban as one exits the King Shaka International Airport, will become operational at 00:00 on Saturday 1 May 2010.
All vehicles travelling through the toll plaza will have to pay the relevant toll tariff per class of vehicle as follows:
Class 1 R4.00
Class 2 R8.00
Class 3 R12.00
Class 4 R16.00
Please be advised that on 01 May 2010 the new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) becomes operational for all Durban-bound air travel. The existing Durban International Airport will be decommissioned; although it may be used for a temporary period during the Soccer World Cup event if required.
All flights into Durban up to and including Friday 30 April 2010 will operate from the current airport. From 01 May 2010, all flights will officially operate out of the new airport which is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city centre.
Please factor in extra time to get to and from KSIA and bear in mind that if you are travelling in one direction before 30 April and back after 01 May, that you may need a shuttle between the two airports.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
ACSA will provide a shuttle transfer between King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) and Durban International Airport (DIA) which will cover the cost for passengers that leave cars at DIA from 01 May for one week only.
Thereafter transportation between both airports will be for the passenger’s account and they will have to arrange transfers themselves.
Please be advised that SANRAL has just confirmed that the new Toll Plaza on the southbound on-ramp towards Durban as one exits the King Shaka International Airport, will become operational at 00:00 on Saturday 1 May 2010.
All vehicles travelling through the toll plaza will have to pay the relevant toll tariff per class of vehicle as follows:
Class 1 R4.00
Class 2 R8.00
Class 3 R12.00
Class 4 R16.00
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