…as media team tours airport project site
Work at the Abia International Airport, a joint project of the Abia state and federal governments in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, is being intensified as work on the runway advances speedily.
While answering questions from Newsmen during an inspection tour of the site by a team from the state government in collaboration with journalists, in continuation of the inspection tour by members of the Renewed Hope Presidential Media Team, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, stated that the land for the airport project which occupies one thousand and twenty five hectares of land was acquired by the Abia State Government on behalf of the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the project which was initially conceived as a cargo airport, was subsequently upgraded to an international airport following the intervention of the state government.
According to the Land Commissioner “The initial intention was to build a cargo airport but with the intervention of the Abia State Government it was upgraded to an international airport”
He noted that while the Abia State Government is responsible for the construction of the runway, the Federal Government is expected to handle the terminal building, noting that land owners within the runway have been fully compensated.
“For the land acquisition, we have far gone in the payment of compensation. Compensation for everybody whose land acquired within the runway has been completed.
“The surrounding land around the runway, we are actively paying compensation and will soon complete the process” Mr Chukwumerije noted.
Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands and Housing who doubles as the Airport Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji, explained that the three-kilometre runway had been cleared with extensive construction activities, including cutting, filling and compacting in progress.
Pastor Aji while also noting that earthwork on nearly one kilometre of the runway is nearing completion, expressed optimism that the airport would be completed within the next two years and described the airport project as a dream gradually becoming a reality as many had earlier doubted its feasibility.
Also speaking, the site Engineer, Mr Yusuf Tawk, said work is progressing despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, assuring that the company will work towards realizing the project on schedule.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Mr Ikechukwu Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and other senior government officials, including the Permanent secretary ministry of Information Sir Chris Onwuegbu joined members of the Media Team on the inspection tour.
The airport project when completed, is expected to contribute in opening the state to investors and expanding the tourism potentials of the state.
