The minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has voiced disappointment regarding the slow pace of work on the Port Harcourt-Aba narrow gauge railway rehabilitation.
In a statement by the director of Press and Public Relations, Olujimi Oyetomi, it was disclosed that the minister, accompanied by key officials including his permanent secretary and director of Railway Transport Services, had anticipated significant progress towards connecting the crucial ports of Port Harcourt and Onne to enhance cargo movements to Aba.
However, during inspection, Senator Alkali found the level of completion to be unsatisfactory, marking his second visit to the site without seeing expected improvements.
He firmly addressed the contractor, Messrs CECC, urging them to expedite actions to ensure timely completion for commissioning and public use.
Despite the project being partially funded by the Federal Government, with a 13 percent counterpart funding, Alkali stressed the necessity of seeking additional funding sources to meet the April 2024 deadline.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rehabilitated tracks and rail infrastructure from vandalism, instructing his team and the contractor to devise effective measures against such threats.
Senator Alkali, demonstrating dedication, utilized the public holiday of Good Friday as a working day, underscoring his commitment to project oversight.
Later, he journeyed to Isiagu, Ebonyi State, to evaluate the manufacturing progress of rail slippers, expressing optimism despite setbacks possibly attributed to the holiday.
The minister’s itinerary ended with a strategic meeting with Enugu State governor, Peter Mba, focusing on advancing railway projects and infrastructure within the Eastern Corridor, showcasing his proactive approach to regional development and collaboration.