By CHARLES IWUOHA

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday, said that the ongoing rehabilitation of the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will be completed by August 30, 2020 for the reopening of the airport.

Senator Sirika, who addressed newsmen shortly after inspecting the ongoing works at the airport, said that the rainy season was largely responsible for the delay in the completion of the runway rehabilitation.

The Minister inspected the project with the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, who represented Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, the Enugu Airport Manager, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum Airport Rehabilitation/Palliative Works Committee, Engr. Chris Okoye, the State Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, among others.

Sen. Sirika who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done, added that the Enugu airport runway, on completion, will be one of the best in the country.

He stated that the federal government “wanted to make a very quick intervention in this procurement, to ensure that this once dilapidated runway was completely rehabilitated for safety”. He regretted that the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) hindered the progress of work, as “the workers took to their heels to ensure they remain safe”.

According to the Minister, “We are back to site and we have made tremendous progress. What is left is little. We have completed about 90-95 percent of the job (pavement wearing course of the runway). The perimeter fence and the road are ongoing and other works to ensure that this airport, including the air field lighting, is delivered for day and night operations.

“You know we are now in the rainy season and just like COVID-19, the rainy season is also a monster in construction or procurement of this nature. But the contractor is doing extremely well, likewise the consultant. So, I am very happy at the rate at which they are going and I am very confident that this procurement will be delivered on the 30th of August 2020. This, of course, is with due consideration to the weather.”

Sen. Sirika used the opportunity to commend the South East Governors, “especially His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who has always been here and shown commitment and has done everything he said he would do”.

He reassured the public that the airport will be delivered to standard for reopening as scheduled.