Enugu airport to commence full operations before Easter – Sirika
Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja
Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has assured that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu which has been closed down since August for rehabilitation work will be reopened for use before Easter.
According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, James Odaudu, the minister gave the assurance yesterday after an inspection visit to the airport.
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He said that the federal government recognises the importance of the airport to the whole of the south -east region and the hardship occasioned by the closure, but insisted that it was done in the interest of safety and comfort of air travellers.
On the reported shortage of some materials needed by the contractor, the minister assured that the problem is being addressed and would therefore, not be an impediment to the completion of the project.
He commended the handlers of the project on the quality of job being done and expressed confidence that the airport when delivered would be one of the best in the country.
Sirika also promised that work on the new terminal building at the airport would soon resume in earnest, given the budgetary provision for it in the 2020 budget, while disclosing that the present administration met the terminal project at about 20 per cent completion level, but has taken it to about 60 per cent completion stage.
The minister was joined on the inspection visit by representatives of the Enugu state government and the South -East Governors Forum who expressed their appreciation to the federal government for taking the bull by the horns in shutting down the airport for rehabilitation.
