Abia Govt. begins clearing access road to proposed Abia International Airport runway

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Nsulu(Abia)

The Abia Government has commenced the clearing of an 8.53-kilometer access road leading to the proposed runway of the Abia International Airport, marking a significant step toward the realisation of the project.

Addressing newsmen on Friday after inspecting the project site in Umuala Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba, reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to the project.

Ajagba emphasised the sincerity of the government in delivering the project, and dismissed earlier claims that the Nsulu community was opposed to the initiative.

He said that the enthusiasm of the landowners and the broader community demonstrated their support for the airport project.

“This is a very sincere government, everything the governor has promised, he has always fulfilled.

“Contrary to the wrong notion that the Nsulu community is opposed to this project, you can see for yourself that it is not true.

“The clearing is ongoing, and the people appreciate the importance of this airport,” he said.

Ajagba commended the host communities for their cooperation and urged contractors to engage locals in the ongoing work.

He also disclosed that the government had commenced payment of compensation to landowners, describing the transparency of the process as a hallmark of the present administration.

“Compensation is being paid, many host communities have already received their payment, and you can see palpable joy everywhere.

“Transparency is something this administration values, and it’s evident here,”Ajagba added.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Land and Housing, Mr. Okorougo Aji, noted that clearing the access road was a significant milestone in the execution of the project.

Aji, who is also the Project Coordinator for the Abia Airport Project, said that the clearing exercise, expected to be completed within five to seven days, would pave the way for the commencement of runway construction.

He said: “Today, another phase of the airport project has kicked off. We are creating the access road into the runway for necessary soil tests and other investigations.

“It’s about 8.53 kilometers from the main road to the runway point.

“We expect to finish clearing within the next five to seven days.”

Also, the Project Manager for the Construction Company handling the project, Mr. Seba El-Nemer, appreciated the support from the government and community and promised timely delivery of the project in line with design specifications.

El-Nemer said that local manpower, both skilled and unskilled, was being engaged to boost community participation in the execution of the project.

Speaking on the development, community members from the host area expressed enthusiasm over the project’s progress, acknowledging the economic benefits and improved connectivity the airport would bring to the region.

The Chairman of the Nsulu Land Owners Forum for Abia Airport Nsulu, Chief Uzor Azubuike, expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision to reduce the land size from 1,800 hectares to 1,000 hectares.

“The joy you see here today is the genuine joy of all Nsulu people who feel privileged to host this airport,” Azubuike said.

Another community member, Mr. Andrew Ijenri, lauded the government’s transparency and commitment to fulfilling its promise to pay compensation to land owners.

“I have witnessed several administrations, but the administration of Dr Alex Otti has distinguished itself.

“The land acquisition process is top-notch, and many of our people have already received payment,” Ijenri said.

Also, some youths of the community, Mr. Chisom Nwogbe and Mr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, expressed excitement over the commencement of the project.

They assured the government of their support and pledged to protect the project materials against any form of vandalisation.

The clearing of the access road was marked by dancing and singing by the women of the host communities.

The project, officially launched on December 17, is a collaborative effort involving the state and federal governments.

The governor, during the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighted the project’s potential to transform Abia, and his administration’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the project.