Enugu State house of assembly committee on works has charged the contractor handling the rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International Airport runway project to speed up so as to meet the April 2020 completion and delivery deadline promised by the federal government.
The chairman of the committee, Mr. Chima Obieze made the charge yesterday when he and his colleagues went on a tour of the airport to assess work done so far
The chairman who expressed worry about the slow pace of work however said he was satisfied with the quality of work so far.
He said the internally generated revenue of the state had dipped due to the closure of the airport.
Besides, he said businesses and people had suffered untold hardship as a result of the closure.
“Many people did not travel home during the yuletide because of the closure and it contributed to the already existing hardship in the state,” he added.
In his remarks, the deputy speaker of the house, Mr Uche Ugwu said the committee embarked on the tour to get firsthand information and know the extent of work done at the airport.
He urged the contractor to ensure the completion of the project on schedule.
Also speaking, the airport manager, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama assured the lawmakers that runway rehabilitation will be done by April.
“Even if other projects were not completed, the runway must be completed. The ministry of aviation is very passionate about the ongoing project at the airport.
“I know how much the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) generates every day at the airport; we have been losing a lot since the closure.
“I want to assure you that we will deliver the project by first week of April. This is an opportunity for people of the southeast to ensure that the airport is perfectly in order,’’ she said.
Similarly, the project manager, Mr Jerry Canty, assured that the runway would be one of the best when it is completed and promised to expedite work to realise deadline for delivery.
A member of the airport’s host community, Mr. Hillary Ugwu who was also in the entourage used the occasion to debunk reports that community was demanding money from the contractor.
“My constituents have never done a thing like that and would never do such a thing. Rather, they see it as a prayer answered because they have been yearning for it.
“They are ready to give every necessary support to ensure successful completion of the project,’’ he said.
