In a surprising turn of events, the Ebonyi State government has announced a massive financial commitment of over N13 billion for the urgent rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area.
According to dailypost.ng, this decision comes just three months after the airport was originally constructed and inaugurated by the former governor, David Umahi.
The commissioner of Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, unveiled this exciting development while addressing the media at the airport. She made the announcement shortly after officially handing over the runway site to the awarded contractor, Infrastructure Development Company (IDC).
Obichukwu explained that the runway’s rehabilitation, now entrusted to IDC, is expected to span a maximum of eight months for its completion. She said, “The IDC construction company has met all our procurement requirements at the bidding opening, assessment, and evaluation. They will commence work next week, and we anticipate that the project will be completed in six to eight months, paving the way for full-fledged flight operations.”
To demonstrate its commitment, the state government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, has already mobilized the contractor with a fifty percent advance payment, enabling them to begin work promptly at the runway site.
READ: Africa: How Gov. Umahi is turning Ebonyi State into another Dubai in Nigeria
Engr. Youssef Zghib, the Area Manager of IDC construction company, elaborated on the project’s technical aspects, stating, “We will scrape half of the existing concrete on the airport runway to allow for a seamless blending of the new asphalt. The previous rigidity of the concrete was the only obstacle preventing airlines from landing here. Once we lay the 150mm of combined asphalt, there will be no more excuses, and airlines will be able to operate smoothly.”
This bold and unexpected move by the Ebonyi State government has generated optimism and excitement among residents and aviation enthusiasts. The rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway promises to open up new opportunities for travel, trade, and tourism, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development.
