May 6, 2015 – The Delta State Government said it is working to reverse recent downgrade of Asaba International Airport by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA).
In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Delta State, Mr. Chike Ogeah assured the general public that the airport will soon be restored to accomodate bigger jets such as Boeing 737.
“We hereby assure the general public that the Delta State Government is committed to effecting the upgrade of the facilities directed by the NCAA promptly and the status of Asaba Airport will soon be restored to accommodate bigger jets such as the Boeing 737.
“It should also be noted that government being a continuum, the coming of a new administration on May 29 will in no way affect the schedule and timeliness of the facility upgrade. Wherever the upgrade exercise is by May 29, the coming government of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will see the project through”, he said.
He explained that following the directive for the rehabilitation of the existing runway, taxiways and the construction of perimeter fence as well as training of technical personnel is also being carried out.
“The issues raised by the NCAA have been known to the Delta State Government which has already set in motion the machinery for effecting the upgrades demanded by the regulatory agency. First, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, has approved the rehabilitation of the Runway and Taxiways in the airport.
“Similarly, the Governor has approved the engagement of a seasoned consultant to supervise the rehabilitation exercise. However, being a public sector project, extant rules on procurement and due process will be strictly adhered to. This may, at the initial stage, impact on the commencement of the project”, he said.
The commissioner added that government is vigorously processing the mobilization of the contractor and the consultant for the job to commence in earnest.
“Already, work on the perimeter fencing has commenced. However, there is additional acquisition of over 400 hectares of adjoining land which has increased the scope of work.
“To boost security within the airport axis, the Government has employed 20 security guards to carry out routine surveillance of the airside.
“On the training of requisite technical personnel, all the staff recently employed by the State Government have undergone the four-week mandatory basic training at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Training School, Lagos in 2013. Arrangement has reached advanced stage for sending them on specialized training relevant to their various departments”, he said.
