The federal government through the Ministry Transportation on Monday, says that the Wachakal airstrip, Nguru in Yobe State, is now 85 percent completed.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, disclosed this during a test flight conducted on the airstrip by the officials of the ministry recently.
The Director of Aerodrome Development, Clement Awogbami, who represented the Meribole said despite inflations that caught up with the project which led to its review, coupled with challenges of limited resources, the federal government started the project about a year ago and, a significant progress has been recorded.
He attributed the progress made to the level of commitment and concern to reform in the aviation sector.
Awogbami explained that the design for the airstrip was expected to have Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) equipment which would guide aircraft coming into the runway.
However, he added that because of the foreign component involved in its manufacturing, it would take some time to acquire it and would be installed as soon as it’s delivered.
Awogbami added: ‘’We are hoping that the DVOR will be installed in the next three months. Once that is done, then the airstrip will be officially ready for use’’ he said.
“This type of project is designed for the purpose of security; it will enhance security surveillance, it will also aid VIP movement, assist in medical evacuation in case of emergency and also for agricultural purposes.
“It is expected that the project when ready and in use will contribute to the country’s GDP.”
On his part, the Emir of Nguru, Mustapha Ibn Mai Kyari expressed gratitude to the federal government for the project.
He said the project will boost the economy of the community and also reduce unemployment rate amongst the youths.
Also, the Vice Chairman of Karasuwa Local Government, Hassan Daliru thanked the former Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and the federal government for attracting development to the State.
He said: “This airstrip was not in existence some years ago but with the effort of the former Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, we now have this project that will be completed soon. We hope to see more infrastructural development in our State.”