By Demilade Aderibigbe
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has scored the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) low on performance at the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Narrow Gauge Railway project.
Accompanied by top officials from the Ministry of Transportation, Alkali said he is utterly disappointed at the slow pace of the performance of the contractor.
Alkali, who observed firsthand, the pace of work at the project site at Oyibbo community in Rivers State, expressed concern over the delays and inefficiencies that have plagued the construction process, which has caused significant frustration among stakeholders, especially the local communities that are eagerly awaiting the completion of the railway line.
Speaking during the visit, the Alkali assured the public that the Ministry would take decisive action to address the shortcomings and enforce the relevant sections of the contract agreement.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of this crucial infrastructure, which is expected to boost transportation connectivity and economic development in the region.
The Minister further stated that the slow progress of the project was unacceptable, considering its importance in enhancing trade and fostering socio-economic growth in the region. He emphasized the need for CCECC to expedite the construction work and meet the agreed-upon timelines, warning that the Ministry would not hesitate to impose penalties for any further delays or breaches of the contract.
As part of the government’s efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the project, the Minister disclosed that a thorough review of the entire construction process and the contractor’s performance would be conducted. This evaluation would help identify areas of improvement and ascertain whether additional measures need to be taken to fast-track the completion of the railway line.
The Minister’s visit and subsequent remarks underscore the government’s determination to prioritize infrastructure development and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people. The Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Narrow Gauge Railway Project, once completed, is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people, stimulate regional trade, and contribute to the overall socio-economic advancement of the country.
The contract for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of 2,044.1 km Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge was signed on 16th November 2020 with a completion period of 36 months. The project is jointly financed by the Federal Government and the CCECC. The Nigerian government has provided 15% funding while the CCECC would provide 85% of the funds. The physical progress of the entire project is 243 km (1.24%) of the 2,044.1 km.