Abia Airport Project On Course as 2 Communities Donate 1,500 Hectares of Land

IGNATIUS OKPARA in Umuahia

Abia state Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ikechukwu Emesobum has disclosed that two communities in the state had donated 1,500 hectares of land for the state airport project.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State

Emesobum, made this known Saturday while speaking with newsmen on how far the state government had gone in the process of acquiring land for the project.

He said: “The process of formal acquisition is being concluded between the government and the donor communities.

“The land was donated for the project by Ikwuano, Olokoro and Obingwa communities in Ikwuano, Umuahia South and Obingwa local government areas.” He hinted

The commissioner promised that government would take the interest of the donor communities into consideration, especially in terms of providing employment for their youths, when the time comes.

He further explained that government would pay compensation for all cash crops destroyed in the land when work begins.

According to him, the perimeter survey of the land had been concluded, noting that “it is a thing of joy that the land donors appreciate the airport project as their own.’’

Emesobum further stated that the proposals and expression of interest submitted by foreign and indigenous construction firms were being evaluated.

He said that the cost and duration of the project would be ascertained after consideration of the proposals.

On the viability of the project, the commissioner said when completed, the airport would stand out as one of the most viable facilities in the country.