By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has certified satisfactory quality of local content applied in the execution of work at the Anambra Cargo and Passenger Airport project in Anambra State.
The Engineers which included the association of Structural Engineers and Transport /Highway Engineers stated this during their working visit to the airport project at Umueri in Anambra East local government area of the state.
The Vice-Chairman of NSE, Awka Branch Engr Finbaar Ajegbu who led the team of the engineers to the site said they were satisfied with the quality of materials used and the high local content infusion into the project which according to them would boost the social and economic well-being of people of the state and the nation at large.
Ajegbu said members of the professional bodies had longed to visit the airport so they could see for themselves and with their engineering eyes in order to make an informed assessment of the project.
He said, “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 manpower 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 were sourced from Aba, here in Nigeria “So far, all is going on well, the target for the 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,” he said.
“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, who is a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 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 the 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. Commissioner for Works in the state, Mr. Marcel Ifejiofor, as well as the airport project supervisor, said the visit of engineering professionals was timely and significant as it would enable them to have informed critiquing of the job.
Ifejiofor said all the segment of the project was being executed with approval from a 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 the successful test run of the runway and passing of the friction test, assuring that the project was progressing to meet the set date for its delivery.
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“Today is 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 are progressing, the governors want 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 of the lockdown and rains, the good thing is that we have completed about 95 percent of earthworks here, so whether there is rain or not, we will progress,” he stated.
