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Safety: Sirika acknowledges Enugu State over action on airport
A day after the Federal Government hinted on plans to shut Enugu Airport for total rehabilitation of the runway, the Enugu State Government has taken a proactive measure to ensure the relocation of a major market located at the tip of the runway to make for quick intervention.
Meanwhile, Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has acknowledge steps taken by the Enugu State government in a bid to improve safety at the Akanu Ibiam international Airport ( Enugu).
“We are happy to see that the Enugu state government has seen reason with the Ministry to address safety concerns raised.
We are appreciative that in the name of safety, Enugu State Executive Council approved the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market (abattoir inclusive) to forestall any tragedy at the Airport.
We are also happy that the Council also ordered immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport, radio mast of the state broadcasting service, and Free Trade Zone’.
‘We, however, would be extremely comfortable if compliance with the above directives from the state government are carried out as soon as possible to give us necessary allowance to carry out repairs as well as expansion and extension of the Runway. All these will better the lot of the Enugu Airport and improve safety a hundred fold’.
Following safety concerns raised by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on potential air hazards in and around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the Enugu State Executive Council has ordered the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market near the airport.
Briefing journalists after the council’s meeting on Friday, the State Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe, disclosed that the council also closed the abattoir near the airport and equally ordered the immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the airport.
Anikwe added that “the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area has been directed to effect the immediate closure of the market.”
He explained that “the State Executive Council had on 12th October, 2018 approved funds for relocation of the State Broadcast Mast on the approach of the runway to Okpatu Hill (Ugwu Rerenkwu) in Udi Local Government Area but the implementation of this project has been hampered by the disruptive activities of some youths in the community”.
According to the information commissioner, “Enugu State Government hereby directs immediate cessation of all hostilities against the project as any further interference will attract the full wrath of the Law given that the government has paid all the necessary compensation.
“The Traditional Rulers of Okpatu communities and Town Union Leadership are hereby called upon to ensure full compliance with the above directives.”
