this year.
Obiano said this when he led the joint committee of the National Assembly on inspection of the project on Saturday.
Obiano said his administration was determined to deliver the airport in view of its enormous economic importance to the state, South East zone
and Nigeria at large.
He expressed satisfaction with speed and quality of work at the site since January last year when execution effectively started and assured
that by the end of April air operation would have started full bloom.
He described Anambra Cargo Airport as one with the longest runway inNigeria with satellite landing system which would make it possible for
airplane to land anytime of the day and in all weather.
“One other important thing is that this is the only airport in Nigeriathat has a satellite landing system, you can confirm that from Nigeria
Civil Aviation Authority.
“We did that deliberately because this is going to be one of the busiestin Africa because of the orientation of our people who are business
people and travelers.
“In five days time, we would have finished everything about this runway,the taxi way and the apron were finished about a month ago, this airportwill be functional next month and we are working night and day to realise that,” he said.
Speaking on the technical details of the project, Mr Marcel Ifejiofor said it had two runways with 100 per can’t erosion control which would
prevent flooding during rain.
Ifejofor, who is the Commissioner for Work in the state said the airportwas high tech project with good local content adding that it was being
executed by competent company under supervision of some of the best consultants in the aviation sector.
“This runway has 06, 024, it has a length of 3.7klm, the width is 60metres, 45 metres carriage way and 15 metres shoulders and the category
is 4F, meaning it can take any Airbus.
“The orientation is that you can land on two sides, you can land on 06 or 024, it has category two light and satellite landing system, one kilometer racer to take care of overrun, we have four grids on either side and a diversion channel to Oyi river,” he said.
In his response, Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation applauded the vision and commitment of Obiano towards building ‘a world class airport.
Adeyemi, said the successor to Obiano had a huge task of making the airport viable as it had the potential of competing favourably with
Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos which contributed about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said the NASS joint committee would go back and think about how the federal government could assist in the project.
“Aviation is key to social economic development for any political entity, we have heard about this airport and decided to come and see for
ourselves, we are highly delighted because from all considerations this is one of the best we have.
“I have seen a lot of runways, apart from the length, I can see the purity of materials, I make bold to say that you are doing great for
your people and for Nigeria.
“Most Nigeria airports are not viable but they are essential, Lagos Airport contributes about 65 per cent to our aviation but I can say that
next to Lagos is where we are standing,” he said.
On her part, Sen. Uche Ekwunife who is contesting for Anambra governorship election under the PDP said in spite of political learning, Obiano deserved commendation for what he was doing on the airport project.
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone in the upper chamber of the national assembly, and also a key leader of the
opposition in Anambra was bowled over by the splendor of the airport and
could not hold back her feelings.
Hear her; “Irrespective of political affiliation, when you see a good work you commend it. I want to commend you, my governor; to say that I
am proud of this project is an understatement. I am truly very proud of this project,” she said.
Harping on the economic values of the airport, Ekwunife said “I want to say that for any viable business to thrive in any state, aviation is
very critical. And I believe that this is a very very viable project and it’s a legacy project.”
She also extended her commendation to the hard working Commissioner of Works, saying “I commend your government but let me particularly commend your Commissioner of Works.
“Because no matter how good the intentions and the vision of the governor are if the commissioner of Works is not doing well, it will affect this project.
“I saw the determination, the hardworking, the zeal when he was taking us round. I want to commend him, commend the entire team that is putting up this project. On behalf the good people of Anambra Senatorial District that I am representing in the Senate, I want to express our
good wishes to you and your government.”