Barely 6 hours after the Minister of state Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika says the Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu airport will be closed due to safety concerns, the State Government swung into action to removed the impediments to safety at the airport.
These impediments as listed by the Minister included: a free trade zone, market and an abattoir and a radio mast all located at the center line and approach of the airport runway.
Following these safety concerns, the Enugu State Executive Council approved the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market (abattoir inclusive) and immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport to forestall tragic air accident at the Airport.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Enugu Ogbuagu Anikwe, said, “the State Executive Council had on 12th October, 2018 approved funds for relocation of the State Broadcast Mast on the approach of the Run Way 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.
Reacting to the directive by the Enugu State Council, Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika applauded 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.
He added, “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 is 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.
