EBONYI STATE GOVT TO REHABILITATE AIRPORT RUNWAY WITH N13 BILLION

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Ebonyi State Government has awarded contract worth over N13 billion for the rehabilitation of the runway of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.

At the handover of the project site to a contractor, the State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu explained that the runway had been redesigned to enhance smooth landing operation of all categories of aircraft.

Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke, estimated to have cost the Ebonyi State government about N36 billion had its inaugural test flight operation in April this year.

It has one of the longest runways in the country measuring 3.1 kilometres in length and 75 metres in width as well as constructed with 14 inches reinforced concrete pavement.

However, the Commissioner for Aviation, Dr. Obichukwu said no aircraft had landed at the Airport for two months now due to unfavorable condition of the runway, emphasizing that the contract was for its concrete surface to be replaced with asphalt for smooth flight operations.

A Representative of the firm handling the Project, Mr. Yusuf Zrebb, assured Ebonyi State Government that the project would be delivered within eight months and in line with specifications.

An Assistant General Manager, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) Abuja, Mrs. Lilian Osuji and NIMET Manager Ebonyi State, Mr. Eno Ikwen were among representatives of agencies who were on hand to witness the event.

They assured the state government of their support to make the airport functional.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU