The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has disclosed that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will be reopened by August 30, 2020.
Sirika, who said this when he paid a visit to the airport on Tuesday, noted authoritatively that the runway is one of the best, if not the best in the country at the moment.
He stated that tremendous amounts of progress have been made, and what is left is about 90-95% completion of the job.
According to him, “We came here to make a very quick intervention in this procurement, to ensure that this once dilapidated and completely broken down runway that was a threat to safety of our operations has been dealt with. We were on course, unfortunately COVID-19 came and the workers took to their heels, to ensure they remained safe and they were with their loved ones.
“We are back on site and we are here again. However, the final wearing course is where we are, on the runway itself. You could see the perimeter fence and road is going on and other works to ensure that this airport, including airfield lighting has been delivered for day and night operations, for it to truly answer the name Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu”.
He also stated that rains just like COVID-19 is a monster to construction and procurement of this nature, but the contractor and consultants are doing extremely well.
“I’m glad to see the progress of work and at the rate at which they are going, I am confident that this procurement will be delivered on the 30th of August 2020. We will be inviting you either on the 30th or 31st to open this runway for use with most of the associated works”, he enthused.
He commended the South East Governors for their support towards the project, adding that the government made the intention consciously to bring back the past glory of Enugu state.
He further noted that they will be setting up other things that will generate economic activities around the City, noting also, that the “Chinese terminal” is about 60% and they will make sure that it is also delivered as soon as they can.
“We’ve fought COVID-19, we are back and safe and may God keep us safe, we will remain here and work until we deliver by August 30th, 2020”, he concluded.
