The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Saturday, expressed satisfaction with steps taken by the Enugu State government in a bid to improve safety at the Akanu Ibiam international Airport, Enugu.
This is as the Enugu State Government had earlier in the day commenced demolition of shops at the Orie Emene Market, considered as threat to the Airport.
The demolition followed a directive by the State government.
GATMASH BLOG reports that the minister had earlier issued threat to shutdown the Airport.
Addressing aviation correspondents at Ikeja on Saturday, Sirika said that he was excited to see that the Enugu State Government had seen reason with the aviation ministry to address safety concerns at the airport promptly.
He said: “We are happy to see that the Enugu State government has seen reason with the Ministry to address safety concerns raised.
“We are appreciative that in the name of safety, Enugu State Executive Council approved the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market (abattoir inclusive) to forestall any tragedy at the Airport.
“We are also happy that the Council also ordered immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport, radio mast of the state broadcasting service, and Free Trade Zone.
“We, however, would be extremely comfortable if compliance with the above directives from the state government are carried out as soon as possible to give us necessary allowance to carry out repairs as well as expansion and extension of the Runway.
“All these will better the lot of the Enugu Airport and improve safety a hundred fold”.
