The Delta government has formally handed over the site for the construction of the N6.8-billion Asaba airport project to the contractors.

Delta Dep Gov Amos Utuama, who handed over the 5,000- hectre-project site, off the Benin-Asaba expressway, told the contractors, Ulo Consultants Ltd., to deliver the project within the specified 24 months.

He said that government was committed to the building of the Asaba International Airport in fulfillment of its agenda for the development of infrastructure in Delta.

He said that the airport would facilitate the movement of people and goods thus enhancing economic activities.

"Through this we can encourage both local and international investments, generate employment and create peace because idle hands are the devils workshop," he said.

The state commissioner for works, Mr Paul Osaji, said that the new airport would be built to international specifications.

He told NAN that the airport would be equipped with a runway, a taxiway, terminal building and a 10-storey control tower and other facilities available in international airports.

NAN reports that preliminary work, including land clearing, had begun at the project site, reportedly donated by the Asaba, Okpanam and Ibusa communities in Delta.

(NAN)