The Federal Government on Tuesday announced that the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu would be ready for use on August 30, 2020.
On August 24, 2019, the government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, closed the airport for the rehabilitation of its runway and the provision of airfield lighting.
But speaking at the facility on Tuesday, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, declared that construction work at had been completed by about 95 per cent.
In his address at the airport, which was made available to our correspondent in Abuja by the Director, Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation, James Oduadu, the minister said the initial plan was to complete the project earlier than August 2020.
He said, “We came here and wanted to make a very quick intervention in this procurement, to ensure that this once dilapidated, completely broken runway that was a threat to the safety of our operations is dealt with.
“We were on course; unfortunately COVID-19 came and the workers took to their heels. But we are back on site now. We’ve made tremendous progress and I will say we are about 90 to 95 per cent completing this job.”
Sirika said aside from the runway, the government was working to ensure that airfield lightings at the airport were delivered.
He noted that the rainy season coupled with the effects of COVID-19 had slowed down the work but expressed gladness that the runway construction had progressed considerably.
“I am very confident that this procurement will be delivered on the 30th of August 2020.”
Sirika said the government would be setting up other facilities capable of generating economic activities around the city of Enugu.
“This include the cargo terminal that we are about to start and finish within the life of this administration. Also, the terminal, which you call the Chinese terminal is about 60 per cent completed, and it will be delivered,” he said.
The minister described the Enugu airport runway as one of the best in the country as it was constructed using enough concrete.
– Punch.