Construction works have started on the upgrade of Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri to an International Cargo Airport following its approval by the president, MUhammadu BUhari.
Governor Rochas Okorocha who accompanied her said the long-time dream of Imo people to see the airport upgraded to an International Cargo terminal is about to come true, thanking President Buhari for seeing the need to upgrade the airport, and also giving approval for works to commence to that effect.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Bello said the super structures of the Cargo terminal will soon arrive; explaining that once the foundation is completed, the super structures would just be fixed.
She equally said that all the contractors handling the cargo terminal have been paid up to 80 percent of the total sum of the contracts.
According to Bello, apart from the fact that the new status of the airport, when fully completed would increase economic activities, it will also create employment opportunities among other benefits.
Governor Okorocha said his government would work hand-in-glove with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure that all that could be needed for early and successful completion of the project would be provided.
According to the governor “when the project is completed it will go a long way in alleviating the plight of traders and business operators in the South-East zone who often have to go to Lagos to clear their goods, and take several hours to come down to the zone by road.”
He said it will also generate much revenue for the country; adding that “It is revealing to know that a cargo scanner was already in place for the airport.”
Okorocha urged the team to ensure that the scanner is installed as soon as possible; while appealling to the Enyiogugu host community to be patriotic, and cooperate fully for the project.
Also, the Police station at the Airport would be given a facelift, that would be befitting to the new status of the airport, as an international terminal.
There would also be full presence of military and paramilitary personnel, with patrol vans to be made available for their operations.
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