By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Acting governor, Bayo Lawal has said only the contractors handling upgrading works at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to an international airport can advise if the facility will be open for use for visitors for the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.
He spoke while fielding questions from reporters shortly after an concluding an inspection tour of the facility as well as the Senator Rasidi Ladoja Circular Road, Ibadan.
The question became Imperative in view of the high turn out of guests and visitors anticipated to be in the ancient city both from within and outside the country.
Speaking, Lawal explained that although, he was aware that various test has been carried out on the facility to ensure that the airport runway meets international standards, it would not be right to preempt the contractors, adding that they would advise on the usability of the facility.
He said, “I was told quite frankly that tests were being carried out regularly. The airport runway, at least they have carried out three different tests and they meet with international standard.
“So, it is not for me to offer an opinion it’s for the experts to offer an opinion as to whether that facility will be ready for coronation or not. But we are hoping that if it is possible to make use of the runway in the next one month, so be it.
“Don’t let us preempt the contractors. They will tell us and they will advise us as to the usability of that particular facility.”
Speaking on the inspection tours, Lawal described the two projects as legacy projects that underscore Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to building infrastructure that target the economic expansion agenda of the administration.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the projects and the pace.
He maintained that from the assessment and the opinions of experts, the international airport should be ready for take-off and landing in the next two or three weeks, while the first segment of the Circular Road will be ready in the next two to three months.
The Acting Governor further stated that the government will continue to engage the contractors so that they do not relax or rest on their oars, as the administration will continue to demonstrate commitment to the projects through adequate funding.
He said: “We have legacy projects that are ongoing, the international airport and the Ibadan Circular Road. First, we were at the international airport and by inspection and assessment as well as opinions of experts, we have attained about 75 -76 percent, meaning that the next two or three weeks, the international airport will be ready, at least, for landing and take-off of aircraft, which is the major accomplishment of that particular project.
“The other things to be fixed on the international airport is the marking, which they describe as runway dressing and then to fix the instrument landing system so that aircraft can take off and land at night.
“Then, they will do the window or wings of the runway, which will be fixed in no distant time. The main runway of the international airport has been done, and we are satisfied by the inspection that we have carried out at that particular facility.
“Now, this is the East Wing of the circular road, which spans about 32.5km. Again, I must say that it is a legacy project that people will come into Oyo State to see and they will appreciate the efforts of the Oyo State Government in fixing infrastructure.
“I dare say that we are satisfied with what we have seen. The contractors are really doing the job in accordance with specifications as well as speed and timing. We are hoping that the delivery of this project will come within the time frame.
“You have seen the hydraulic bridges, culverts, pure civil engineering works, and we are satisfied with the standard we met on the ground.
“We will continue to engage the contractors so that they will be on their toes. They must not rest on their oars. We are committed to the project by ensuring that funding, which is key, will not be lacking so that we get the project completed.
“Actually, both projects I have described as legacy projects and then, by the end of this year, we believe that the two projects will be delivered. In fact, the airport will be delivered in the next one month. And the Circular Road, in the next three months, will also be delivered.”
