The Federal Government has suspended the ongoing reconstruction work at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who disclosed this after inspecting the project on Tuesday, said the suspension of work was as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
He noted that the project, which had gone beyond 90 per cent completion, would have been delivered before Easter.
“But considering that the construction workers have downed tools owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government hereby officially announces the suspension of procurement.
“The work would have been completed in six-seven days, but the workers left to be with their families in view of the social distancing (rule),” the Minister said.
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While calling for understanding, Sirika assured that all the issues would be resolved in two to three weeks’ time.
Recall that airport was shut down in August 2019 by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria over safety concerns, following the collapse of the runway.
The federal government then awarded the reconstruction of the airport to PW Construction firm.
The airport was initially scheduled to be reopened before December 25, 2019 for Christmas, but that didn’t happen due to a lack of funding, prompting the shift in the reopening date to Easter 2020.