Work
Commences On Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu
Chizoba
Anuforom, Enugu
Refurbishment
work has commenced at the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu as part of
efforts for its upgrade to international status.
The renovation
project, expected to be completed in 12 months, is being
carried out at the cost of N4.1billion.
It involves an
expansion of the runway from 2.4km to 3km in
length, while the width would be widened from 4.5m to
6m.
The Minister of
Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba said that the project would
facilitate usage by wide-bodied aircraft as well as improve
flight operations.
The minister
thanked the Enugu State government for its assistance for the
renovation project, especially the provision of land.
The state
Governor, Sullivan Chime expressed gratitude to President Umaru
Yar’Adua and south east states’ representative at the National
Assembly, for their efforts in the airport’s upgrading.
Governor Chime
promised to provide the necessary support and cooperation in
ensuring the completion of work at the airport.
The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Aviation, Chief Anyim Ude regretted the
delay in the rehabilitation of the airport for the past 30
years, recalling that in Year 2008, N2 billion was
budgeted for repairs but it could not be done due to
bureaucratic bottlenecks.
