Federal Government has awarded contract for the rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, in keeping with the promise by President Musa Yar�adua to upgrade the airport to an international status.
It would be recalled that Yar�Adua had late last year approved the upgrading of airport following complaints by the people of the South East that it was only the zone that had no international airport.
The contract for the renovation of the old terminal, which was built in 1976 was awarded to Ausoby International Limited, an indigenous company.
Already, the company has started the rehabilitation work with furnishing of some sections of the airport, particularly the protocol and executive lounges.
Minister of State, Air Transport, Mr. Felix Hyat, while inspecting the work so far done at the airport yesterday said that the Federal government was committed to keeping its words as far as the airport was concerned.
Hyat said that contracts have also been awarded for the construction of some buildings as part of the upgrade of the existing facilities at the airport.
Assuring that more jobs would commence once funds were available, the Minister expressed dismay over the decay at the nation�s airports, but said that the problem was gradually being tackled.
He said that modern facilities would be provided to phase out decades of old facilities for improved performance.
He commended the contractor handling the Enugu airport for so far keeping to the realisation of government�s dream of changing the situation at the airport.
According to the Minister, �I was unhappy seeing some of the equipment which I am told are as old as the airport itself that have never been changed, but after inspecting different parastatals and departments in the airport, I was told that some facilities are being put on ground to improve the situation and this confirms that we have a new management with focus,�.
Hyat told the airport workers not to be discouraged as a result of the obsolete facilities at the airport, adding that in a matter of time all airports in the country would wear a new lease of life in terms of facilities and improved conditions of service for workers.
He added, �There is now hope because the President has declared this airport as an international airport and by that declaration, knowing the president we have right now, he does not talk with the mouth only, he talks with action, and that is why we have contractors on site. And I am sure that facilities will start coming up and I am aware that we have budgetary provisions to make sure that this place joins the league of airports that are considered to have improved�.
The Airport Manager, Engr. Chigbo Nwobu, who conducted the minister round the airport facilities, said that the airport has continued to witness increased flights because of the improvement in passenger movement.
Nwobu also said the airport handles about eight aircraft movement daily to Lagos and Abuja in addition to other non-scheduled operators to various destinations in in the country.