Contrary to earlier reports in some social media outlets that work speed has been abysmal, a touring of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu by Business Hilights South East Bureau Chief on Monday showed that work is currently ongoing at the Airport.
Checks showed that apart from the runway, a Cargo terminal building and international terminal building (both are being handled by CCECC, clinic, fencing and water supply are being put in place.
Also, whereas indications shows that the Enugu State Government is handling the water supply angle, new entrance for trucks bringing and taking cargo in and out of the airport is being constructed at the airport.
During the visit, it was discovered that work is ongoing on in the installation of light equipment for night landing and night takeoff for both local and international flights.
Though the earlier budgeted N10bn for the scheme was later slashed to N8.5bn, it was gathered that about N3.2billion has been released to the foreign construction firm, PW (an Irish company) handling the runway.
Recall that in the beginning, there was issue with some host community in Ebonyi from where PW is getting some special stone, but our correspondent gathered that the matter had been put to rest amicably and work is ongoing.
It was further gathered that the same issue with Ebonyi communities had stalled the last renovation work at the airport under the previous government.
However, with truce reached now, the handling firm, the CCECC was contracted and paid to build international terminal building for the airport as a piece of land has been provided after reaching understanding.
There had been strong assurances from the Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, the Aviation minister, the Chairman of the airport monitoring team, PW management and FAAN Chairman that the end of March/first week of April remains the completion date of delivering the new face of the Enugu International Airport.
