Runway 18L/36R is 90% done, says FAAN
The federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said work on the runway 18 Left, and 36 Right (18L/36R) at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, is 90 per cent complete.
Managing Director of the Authority, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, told aviation correspondents during a tour on the runway yesterday – September 8th, 2022 – that the agency hopes to meet the three-month deadline earmarked for delivery of the project.
Recall that FAAN had, on July 7, closed runway 18L for the installation of approach lights and other precision equipment so as to allow for 24/7 operations.
On delivering the project within the 90 days period, Yadudu, however, said the agency would not hesitate to allow the contractor to do a thorough job on the runway if it means not meeting the deadline.
“So far, I think we have done about 90 per cent; we are on schedule and remember we are very optimistic. But if anything would make it be delayed, I would boldly make it delayed. I’d rather have a good job concluded. Aviation is not about quick fixes; it’s about long-term fixes.
“For 12 years, this was not working but now you’re getting it… But if anything will hinder and we are sure has to do with safety, we will not hesitate. That is our primary responsibility but so far there is none,” he said.
He said the authority was committed to delivering the project as planned, adding that the facility tour was his 10th visit to the project site and “there are people here daily, monitoring, supervising.”
On the taxiway bravo, Yadudu said work on the project was delayed due to rising inflation, a situation that has affected the cost of bitumen, asphalt and other materials.
According to him, the project had undergone 95 per cent completion and would have been completed some five months earlier but for the inflation that affects some of the major materials for the work.
“The issue is procurement because suddenly we have inflation and the contractor is complaining. But he is working with FAAN and the ministry to see if we can find a solution to the problem.
“Inflation suddenly increased the cost of bitumen and asphalt and we are trying to resolve it quietly so that the contractor will end up doing a good job,” he said.
