The Minister of State for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Serika has expressed anger over what he described as undue delay in the delivery of remodeling contracts at Port Harcourt international Airport, just as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has completed rehabilitation works on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport runway in Enugu.
Serika in his stern warning to Inter-Bau Group handling the contract at Port Harcourt airport, said if the job is not ready for commission in July, the job may be taken away from the contractor as government cannot condone such unexplainable delays in critical infrastructure projects.
In an interview with General Manager, Corporate Affairs at FAAN, Herrienta Yakubu, she said the Enugu runway is now open for full operations following its completion.
According to her, the agency’s team of engineers led by the Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma, inspected the project and certified it as meeting the required standards.
Business Hilights recalls that the first phase of the repairs was executed from December 14th to December 21st, 2017 while the second phase started from December 27th, 2017 to January 4th. As the works progress, the airport was open for operations only between 7am and 3pm to enable the contractor to continue with work for a “stable and even surface” of the runway. The project was, however, delayed for a few days before the runway was finally opened for full flight operations.
Some of Enugu bond passengers who spoke with Business Hilights South East Bureau Chief in Enugu expressed happiness on the delivery of the job, but cautioned that such repairs are better done during non-festive seasons next time.