By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
Construction work at the Multi Billion Naira new terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom has reached an advanced stage and would be ready for use by the first quarter of next year.
Project Consultant, Engr Francis Uwah who disclosed this to newmen on assessment tour of the facility yesterday said that the terminal building has a capacity to process more than one million passengers annually and has a 700 car parking space.
With six automated departure points and a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility, the airport, Uwah further said would on completion become a regional aviation hub, boost tourism and impact positively on the State’s economy.
He explained that the construction firm was working assiduously to fix necessary equipments at the building preparatory to the targeted delivery date.
Some key features of the new Terminal Building according to him would include digital self check-in by a robot, pre-planned before Covid-19 , Automated luggage screening and weighing, Video/Scene Analytics and Static object detection for suspicious packages.
Others include foot traffic analysis, Queue detection, Facial recognition,Traffic monitoring Incident analysis, Vehicle counting, License plate readers, Moisture Control Technology (Damp Proofing) for Hot Seasons, New Technologies and Best Practices Involving Synchronized Motors, Regeneration Converters, Control Software, Optimization of Counterweights and Cabin Lighting yield Significant Savings.
It would also include Daylighting and advanced occupancy and Dimming Functions to eliminate over-lit spaces, Intelligent Transport Management Systems, Fully Integrated Alarm and Voice Evacuation System, Infrared toilet system with automatic flushing system and Automation of Immigration Processes and Centers.
Shedding more light on the new Terminal, Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso described the project as a signpost of the Governor’s commitment to the development of the state.
Ndueso said that the project commenced in 2018 with its progress hampered by the 2020 – 2021 global lockdown occasioned by the Covid19 pandemic, and expressed happiness with the Governor for keeping faith with the completion of the aviation furniture.
“The project would have earned commendations from Akwa Ibomites if it was constructed anywhere else in Nigeria but because of petty politics of lies and deceits, certain political elements sponsor smear campaigns against the Governor to undermine his accomplishments in office.
“Others outside the State appreciate this Governor and wish he were theirs, but our people are the ones deriding him on the several media pages.” He lamented.
