Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed satisfaction with the pace of the on-going expansion work at the Asaba International Airport and noted that its completion would herald socio-economic benefits to the state and its environs.
The Governor stated this recently during an inspection of the progress of work at the airport to ensure its speedy upgrade by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“I can see that work is going on at the new runway and taxiway,” Governor Okowa said, adding, “when completed, it will take all sizes of planes because, this airport is well positioned to serve the people of the state, the entire South-South and South–East regions- especially businessmen in Onitsha and Nnewi.”
The Governor expressed joy that the initial challenges faced by the contractor handling the project has been surmounted and stated that the project would be completed within the next few months.
“You can see that work is going on, the contractor had some issues which have been sorted out. We are expecting that at the end of March, substantial work would have been done and we will be back for another round of inspection in the next two weeks.”
The Chairman of ULO Construction Limited, Ogbueshi Uche Okpuno, who took the Governor round the project, explained that work has advanced in the construction of the taxiway while issues raised by the FAAN which led to its down-grade last year were been addressed.
It was a pleasant surprise for Governor Okowa, at the airport, as he met former President Olusegun Obasanjo; who was on transit from neighbouring Anambra State, where he attended an official ceremony.
The use of the Airport by the ex-President, according to observers, underscore the strategic nature of the Asaba International Airport and justify the huge financial investment the state government is making to ensure that the facility meets international standards for all levels of Aircrafts.
