By Bokime Asuquo
The member representing Eket-Esit Eket in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh has tasked management of Ibom International Airport to close loopholes at the Airport and generate greater revenue for the State Government.
The lawmaker gave this charge, while interacting with the Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon and Management of the Airport, shortly after inspecting facilities at the Airport today, as part of the Committee's moves to assess the level of utilisation of the 2016 Budget.
Speaking further, Hon. Akpanusoh noted that expenses at the Airport was more than the revenue and urged Staff of the Airport to put more effort to work, in order to achieve the needed results expected of them by the State government.
"The airport has been appropriated for and for us to do more, we need to see what and how the funds was used for, the are areas we have asked the commissioner to meet us to sort out the grey areas.
"Money generated in the airport as internally generated revenue is too small...you can generate more if all the machineries are put in place and the seriousness of Staff. Every loopholes should be close, the House of Assembly is ready to help you," the lawmaker added
While thanking Governor Emmanuel for not abandoning the construction of the second Runway, and the Commissioner Mr. Akan Okon for working assiduously within one month to change the face of things in the Housing and Special Duties Ministry, he maintained that with more internally generated revenue, the Airport could sustain its maintenance and also pay Staff, without depending on the state government.
Akpanusoh expressed delight at the ongoing construction of the second Runway and appealed to the contractors to work closely with the Commissioner for greater productivity.
Responding, Mr Akan Okon intimated the lawmaker that his Ministry has taken decisive measures to cut down the Airport's expenditure, while boosting its internally generated revenue.
Mr Okon who noted that the Airport is running on internal power source, also revealed that work at the second Runway is being slowed, due to lack of funds, and said more cost would be incurred if the project is not completed on time.
"We need to look at other sources of funding. I seek for your support when this issue comes up, if we are able to connect this airport to power source, it will assist the airport, to eliminate the cost associated with energy"
"You have demonstrated that the people who sent you to the Assembly did well, you have the interest of the State, for us as a Ministry , we will continue to foster this relationship, we are available to answer any question regarding appropriation", the Commissioner said.
About aktrending
0 comments :
Post a Comment