…tasks CCECC on employment of qualified Nigerians
Muhammad Bello, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday disclosed that the multi-billion naira Abuja Mass Rail project has attained 90.27 percent completion level.
Bello who disclosed this after the inspection tour of the project site and a train ride from the Abuja Metro Station behind the Abuja World Trade Centre at the Central Business District to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, explained that most of the train stations are at the finishing stages.
Meanwhile, the Minister has directed CCECC management to ensure recruitment of qualified Nigerians not Chinese for the management of the train service since about 1,000 personnel are expected to be employed.
According to a report from the FCT Transport Secretariat, “the scope of the contract was varied (from the cost of $841,645,898 covering 60.67km) to $823,540,545.87 for the final design and construction of Lot 1 and 3 with a completion date of 36 months.
Bello who was accompanied by other FCT senior officials, noted that there are 13nos railway bridges, 50nos culverts, 15nos flyover bridges and 9nos pedestrian overpasses bridges are 100 percent completed.
Bello revealed that the total length of the rail double track laid is 45.245 kilometers thereby making it 100 percent complete of the entire Lots 1A and 3.
According to him, out of the total 12nos Train Stations under construction, 10 are at advanced stage with painting and installation of mechanical and electrical works currently in progress, while the remaining two being fast tracked, thereby making the entire Stations 85 percent completed.
The Minister stated that the locomotive and rolling stock deport is 85 percent complete, while communication as well as signaling are also 85 percent complete respectively.
“The percentage progress of work on the power supply is however 20 percent but adequate progress would be achieved soon,” Bello said.
Due to the importance the FCT Administration attaches to the Abuja Rail Mass Transit project, the Minister assured that his Administration would work assiduously to complete the project and make it operational as planned.
Bello reiterated the resolve of the administration towards assuage the difficulties currently being experienced by commuters in the Federal Capital Territory, hence the rapid attention is given to the project.
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