By Uka Dave
The rehabilitation of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway, Ebonyi State has been completed.
The Airport which gulped N42billion, was conceived by the past administration was deemed to have been completed by the past administration of David Umahi who is now Minister of Works.
But flight operations could not commence on the Airport following the bad nature of its runway which was constructed with concrete.
The present administration had to sunk over N20billion into it to make it operational.
The rehabilitation work on the runway has now been completed while flight operations would commence any time soon.
The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu who disclosed this to journalists during an inspection tour of the completed 3.1 km runway, said the state government had concluded plans to purchase four aircrafts for the smooth take-off of the Airport.
The Airport which gulped N42billion, was conceived by the past administration was deemed to have been completed by the past administration of David Umahi who is now Minister of Works.
But flight operations could not commence on the Airport following the bad nature of its runway which was constructed with concrete.
The present administration had to sunk over N20billion into it to make it operational.
The rehabilitation work on the runway has now been completed while flight operations would commence any time soon.
The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu who disclosed this to journalists during an inspection tour of the completed 3.1 km runway, said the state government had concluded plans to purchase four aircrafts for the smooth take-off of the Airport.
She said other investors had already indicated interest to give the state extra three aircrafts.
She further emphasized that the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport would serve for both passenger and cargo adding that the Airport would not just boost the economic base of the state but also showcase Ebonyi State to the world.
"We will soon start floating our aircraft. When flight operations starts at the airport, we have investors that are ready to give us extra three planes. We have already entered into agreement with them, and very soon it will start happening.
"Permit me to announce to you that our Governor is very passionate about bringing in our own planes. And we are launching four at a time and when it comes, everybody will hear it. The governor wants to make this airport the economic hub of the Southeast region ".
"So, we are here for all of you to see what His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru has been able to do with the budget he gave for this project. "He gave it a top priority and today, we are happy that we have the best international airport runway in Nigeria. Not saying that to show pride because we're the one who did it, but because quality job was done. if you look at the shoulder; the main runway, you will believe me that about three flights will land at the same time in this airport. "Both landing and taking off at the International airport Onueke Ebonyi state is free, firm and safest." She stated.
She expressed joy on the completion of the runway and revealed that flight operations at the Airport was expected to take off in August this year.
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