The Edo State Government has secured the approval of Federal Ministry of Aviation to construct an airport in the Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

In a letter signed by  the ministry’s Director of Aerodrome Development, Eng. C.O Awogbami, and made available to newsmen, the approval was given after due consideration by the agency.

It read in part, “Sequel to the receipt of Your Excellency’s letter Ref, No OG.51/VOL 4/120 dated 16th February 2021, and subsequent visit of the technical team from the ministry and its agencies on the 3rd to 5th of November, 2021, 1 am directed to convey approval of the minister for the construction of an airport at Uzairue/Okpella in the Etsako West Local Government Area subject to strict compliance to civil aviation authority’s requirement and compliances with all relevant environmental regulations.”

It added. “Also, environmental impact assessment report should be conducted to assess the impact of noise on the settlement and adherence to the provision of the subsisting Civil Aviation Act 2006 as well as other legislation that may involve with time.

“The state is also expected to pay the statutory fee, get security clearance from the Director of State Security, Site Survey data in accordance with WGS B4 specification should be done, while the Perimeter Survey of the airport is required.

“Production of Wind Rose Analysis by NiMet should be done, while all obstruction from the site should be removed, while all ministry and its relevant agencies at every stage of the development of the airport to ensure compliance with Standard and recommended practice.”

The proposed airport, when completed, will bring the number of airports in the state to two.

PUNCH