Delta State Government, yesterday, said it was doing everything to ensure that the downgraded Asaba Airport returned to its rightful rating, as it had awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiways in the airport.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, in a statement in Asaba, said: “On April 27, 2015, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, effected a downgrade of Asaba Airport following the directive for the rehabilitation of the existing runway, taxiways and the construction of perimeter fence as well as training of technical personnel.

“The issues raised by the NCAA have been known to the Delta State Government which has already set in motion the machinery for effecting the upgrades demanded by the regulatory agency. First, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has approved the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiways in the airport.

“Similarly, the governor has approved the engagement of a seasoned consultant to supervise the rehabilitation exercise. However, being a public sector project, extant rules on procurement and due process will be strictly adhered to. This may, at the initial stage, impact on the commencement of the project.

“The downgrade in the status of Asaba Airport has not in any way affected the operation of scheduled commercial flights in and out of the airport. Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Overland Air which operate scheduled daily flights have since deployed the right aircraft specification and are providing seamless services to passengers.

“The government is vigorously processing the mobilization of the contractor and the consultant for the job to commence in earnest.

“Already, work on the perimeter fencing has commenced. However, there is additional acquisition of over 400 hectares of adjoining land which has increased the scope of work. To boost security within the airport axis, the government has employed 20 security guards to carry out routine surveillance of the airside.

“On the training of requisite technical personnel, all the staff recently employed by the state government have undergone the four-week mandatory basic training at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Training School, Lagos in 2013. Arrangement has reached advanced stage for sending them on specialized training relevant to their various departments.

“It should be noted that airports are permanent construction sites the world over and regulatory agencies, which in Nigeria is the NCAA, have the mandate to oversight all the airports and may from time to time raise any concern thereof.”