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| [File] Front view of the domestic wing of Akanu-Ibiam International Airport Enugu<br />PHOTO: LAWRENCE NJOKU |
The
House of Representatives has disclosed plans to probe the collapse of
the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu that warrants its
imminent closure for repairs.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has notified
airlines, passengers and all other stakeholders that effective August
24, the runway would be closed for major repairs and works on the
airfield.
Apparently worried about the effects of the closure, the House
Committee Chairman on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, said the House of Reps
would want to know why the runway collapsed within six years.
“By my investigation, a standard runway should have a lifespan of 30
years. So, if that runway could collapse under six years some people
have to give us explanations.
“The country is going through some difficult times economically and
there are so many things contesting for the scarce resources. So, we
cannot afford to have huge taxpayers’ money go down the drain just like
that,” Nnaji said.
He added that should they discover that the contractor did a shoddy job on the collapsed runway, “he will not go scot-free”.
Nnaji, who represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency
Enugu, regretted that the closure was coming at a time-traveling by road
in the southeast zone “has become a nightmare due to the prevailing
security challenges.”
He promised that his committee would work with relevant Ministries,
Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the repair works are
completed within the stipulated time.
