Lawmaker Explains Delay In PHIA Remodelling

Inspite of insinuations in
several quarters that the non-completion of the remodeling project at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, was due to political differences between the State government and the Federal Government, a federal lawmaker, Hon Kingsley Chinda says the problem was lack of funds.
Hon Chinda who represents Obio/Akpor constituency at the House of Representatives told newsmen at the Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, shortly on arrival from Abuja that the remodelling project had not been abandoned but on-going.
The lawmaker argued that those who insinuate abandonment of the project on political reasons were saying so out of malice, stressing that government projects were hinged on the availability of funds on the budgeted estimates as approved by the National Assembly.
He explained that each ministry carries out projects based on the projections of the Ministry but resources at its disposal determines the pace of payment to contractors and the extent of work.
Hon Chinda noted that the project has not been abandoned by the federal government but has been delayed due to funding and urged Rivers people to continue to persuade the authorities to give priority attention to the Port Harcourt Airport.
“As I was arriving, I saw people doing different works at the PHIA, the job has not been abandoned, and there is no reason to think of it in that direction. Work is  going on even at the Abuja airport, a part of it has been completed and we are using it,” Chinda contended.
According to the lawmaker, I do not think that Mr President will be blamed if the Port Harcourt airport is not completed but the representatives of Rivers people in Abuja and it would never be abandoned.
On whether the National Assembly was a toothless bull dog, the lawmaker explained that the country operates separation of powers, we expose corruption but we don’t pass judgment there is a body responsible for that, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary should prosecute and punish offenders.