Consortium Of Engineers Certify Quality Of Work At Anambra Airport Project
Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended the quality of work at the Anambra Cargo and Passenger Airport, going on at Umueri, Anambra East Local Government.
The Engineers which included association of Structural Engineers and Transport /Highway Engineers said this during a working visit to the airport on Friday.
Mr Finbaar Ajegwu, Vice Chairman of NSE, Awka Branch who led the team of engineers to the site said they were satisfied with the quality of materials used and the high local content infusion.
Ajegwu said members of the professional bodies had longed to visit the airport so they could see for themselves with their engineering eyes and make informed assessment of the project.
“I can tell you that we are marveled with the level of engineering masterpiece here, the quality is high and the share of local content in terms of man power and materials is impressive.
“It is interesting to know that these materials which could not be sourced from abroad because of Covid-19 global lockdown was sourced from Aba, here in Nigeria
“So far, all is going on well, the target for test of Runway was met and we are hopeful that with the speed of work, the target for delivery of the airport will be met.
“This is first of its kind, the runway is superb, the Hi-tech radar tower is top notch, the Engineering Society is proud of this project,” he said.
On his part, Dr Akaolisa Ezeagu, Coordinator of Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers, Anambra Chapter said beyond aesthetics, the integrity of the work was satisfactory.
Ezeagu, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University commended the project handlers for their strict adherence to safety standards and precautions.
“The structural integrity of work is excellent, the materials are of high quality with international construction method, more importantly the adherence to safety is commendable.
“We want them to take special interest in safety, they should ensure that the fencing is completed, we are happy with the drainage system here, the fire safety measures and water hydrant which are basic features of an airport are in place,” he said.
Mr Marcel Ifejiofor, Commissioner for Works in Anambra who is also the supervisor of the project said the visit of Engineering professionals was significant as it would enable them have informed critiquing of the job.
Ifejiofor said all the segment of the project was being executed with approval from relevant authority like Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and International Air Transport Association.
He said the runway, tarmac, apron had been completed and while radar, departure hall, fire hydrant had reached emergency stage adding that the Anambra was a testimony of indigenous technology ingenuity and resourcefulness.
He expressed satisfaction with successfully test run of runway and passing of friction test while assuring that project was progressing to meet with the set date for complete delivery.
“Todays is an important, we have always had visitors here but this team special because they are engineers who know what I know, they have not come to admire the aesthetics but also the integrity, I am happy that they have given us pass mark.
“All the plans of the governor for this project is progressing, the governors wants to make this project operational as soon as possible so that Anambra people can begin to fly from Umueri airport and avoid the dangers and challenges of road transport.
“We worked throughout last year and never lost man hour in spite the lockdown and rains, the good thing is that we have completed about 95 per cent of earthworks here, so whether there is rain or not, we will progress,” he said.
