Obudu Cargo Airport To Be Ready In 180 Days, Says C'River Gov't
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River Commissioner for Aviation, Captain Eno Utum Inah (Rtd) has revealed that the Obudu Cargo Airport would be ready for commissioning in the next 180 days.
The Commissioner made the revelation, recently, during a facility tour of the airport's construction site in Obudu.
Capt Inah stated that contrary to claims from some quarters that the Governor has abandoned the project, with what he as seen on ground, the assurance by the contractor and the commitment of the state to the project, he is certain that it will be completed in the next 180 days.
"We are here to tell Cross Riverians that like the Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has said in most of his statements that no project will be abandoned; in matching words with action, construction is ongoing at the Cargo Airport. I am optimistic that God on our side in 180 days we should be talking of commissioning
Going by what we have seen, various sites within the Cargo Airport are at various stages of completion. From our interactions with the contractor and the assurance that Cargo Airport project will be completed in the next 120. As a responsible government I put it at 180 to ensure that everything is done before commissioning."
He called on the people of Obudu who to him are direct beneficiaries of the project to be calm while construction is ongoing, and that the essence of establishing the Airport would be felt when it is completed and operational.
The Runway at the Cargo Airport
"To some people who see this magnificent project as land grabbing by the previous Government, it is not, the impact will be felt upon completion not just by you the direct beneficiaries across the state owing to the prospects it offers.
He said the Cargo Airport would be an evacuation corridor for the Northern region of Nigeria thereby exposing the areas for trade which would translate to improvement in the living standard of the people.
The Cross River Aviation boss enjoined landlord communities to ensure the safety and protection of the property saying that posterity would speak good of the government for the innovative idea of setting up such a money spinning project in Obudu.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Aviation, Engr. Timothy Ntamu expressed delight at the Otu-led Government for continuing the project. He said it would discourage abandonment and waste of public funds.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the site, but however identified some key areas the contractor need to pay attention to.
The Aviation Commissioner Captain Eno Utum Inah on inspection
Engr. Ntamu charged the company to continue to work according to specifications and ensure that the job is delivered in line with the stipulated time.
Conducting the Commissioner and his team around the site, the General Project Manager, Ciba Construction Company Limited, Engr Shola Okeleye said the Company is working tirelessly to ensure that it delivers on the job as at when due not undermining quality and specifications.
Giving a breakdown and level of completion of the various sites, Engr. Okeleye stated that various sites were at different degrees of completion, notably: Tower - 85 percent, Terminal Building 75 percent, Run-way 85 percent, Taxi way 80 percent, among others.
Engr Shola Okeleye said with the evaluation and level of work done so far, the company has a projection of completing the Cargo Airport in 120 days, stating that with the encouragement it is receiving from the state government, the 120 days is feasible.
