By Austin Ogwuda
… expresses concern that the encroachment threatens safety and could lead to loss of Operational License
IN a bid to forestall a repeat of May 10 ugly incident of collision between an antelope and Air Peace Aircraft at the Asaba International Airport, Delta State government has set up a Taskforce, with a mandate to recover portions of land belonging to the Airport encroached upon by land grabbers and other parts of the State.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu Policies) disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Asaba on the outcome of the 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) and Exhibition in Macau, China.
Aniagwu who accompanied the Governor on the trip, said the Oborevwori administration has directed the Environment Taskforce to recover all government lands illegally occupied by individuals.
His words: “A clear example is the Airport land, where encroachment threatens safety and could lead to loss of operational license. Securing the Airport’s perimeter is critical to ensure safety from hazards like stray animals or fire outbreaks near the runway.
“Illegal structures have also been removed from key government areas, such as the Waterboard premises along Okpanam Road. Despite issuing warnings and providing ample notice, some individuals still erected shanties on government property.
“The administration now warns that future violators will not only be evicted but also prosecuted, as part of a broader effort to reclaim lands across all 25 local government areas.
“The government urges citizens to avoid acquiring lands without proper verification. If a government-owned property is no longer in use, the right approach is to request deacquisition through official channels not to trespass.
“Buying or building on government land without due process is a risk, as such properties will be reclaimed without compensation, regardless of personal investment”.
Recall that a large antelope disrupted an Air Peace flight on May 10, this year at about 5.41 local time, right on the runway of Asaba Airport. The aircraft decimated the animal and the jet eventually grounded.
….why our perimeter fence is porous, says Concessionaire to Asaba Airport
Mr. Christophe Pennick, the Managing Director of Asaba Airport Company, the Concessionaire to Asaba Airport while regretting the incident said that the Airport had a perimeter fence, but was not 100 percent complete.
Pennick lamented that in recent years, the part of the fence had completely been washed away due to heavy rains and erosion, regretting that in recent times, some people had encroached into the Airport for construction and farming purposes.
