The Bayelsa State government has disclosed that the ongoing multi-billion naira Cargo Airport project would be completed by August this year.
The Director of the State Airlines, Mrs. Josphine Akpama, , disclosed this during an inspection tour of facilities at the airport by the elders from Amassoma community in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
Akpama said the airport project sited in Amassoma is part of the state government’s efforts to reposition it for a stronger economy as one of the oil rich states in the country.
The contractors, she said, are working hard to ensure that they meet the completion date of the project. Some of the airport facilities inspected included the 3.5km runway, the apron, fire bay, control tower, terminal building, the power station among others.
“The governor has given a date, which is August and that is the target; as you can see that every facility here is almost ready; the runway is 75 per cent completed, the terminal building is 85 per cent and the fire bay is also getting set,” the director said.
The Ebenanaowei of Ogboin clan in Southern-Ijaw area, King Oweipa Jones-Ere, described the project as heartwarming and pledged to support and protect the facilities. Jones-Ere said the economic importance of the airport to the people could not be over-emphasised.
“I am happy that this project is sited in our community and I believe it will empower our people when it is completed because there will be jobs for the youths. “I urge the youths to desist from disturbance and support the progress work in the project,” he said.
The youth president in the area, Joseph Douyie, promised mobilise his people to maintain peace and tranquility in the area.
“The youths are ready to work with the government to protect and preserve the airport facilities; we, the entire youths commend our dear governor, Seriake Dickson on this project,” Douyie said.
- NAN