The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), working on the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Narrow Gauge Railway project….COBNTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Accompanied by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Transportation, Senator Alkali expressed his disappointment with the sluggish pace of the project during an on-site inspection at Oyibbo community in Rivers State.

The minister voiced concerns over the project’s delays and inefficiencies, which have led to frustration among stakeholders, particularly the local communities eagerly anticipating the railway’s completion.

During his visit, Senator Alkali assured the public that the ministry would take decisive measures to address the project’s shortcomings and enforce the relevant contract provisions.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of this vital infrastructure, which is poised to enhance transportation connectivity and drive economic development in the region.

Senator Alkali also stressed the urgency for CCECC to expedite construction work and adhere to the agreed-upon timelines, cautioning that penalties may be imposed for any further delays or contract breaches.

As part of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the project, the minister revealed plans for a comprehensive review of the construction process and contractor performance.

This evaluation aims to identify areas for improvement and determine whether additional measures are necessary to accelerate the railway’s completion.

Upon completion, the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Narrow Gauge Railway Project is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people, boost regional trade, and contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic progress.

The contract for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the 2,044.1 km Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway was signed on November 16, 2020, with a 36-month completion period.

The project is jointly financed by the Federal Government and CCECC, with the Nigerian government providing 15% of the funding and CCECC covering 85%. Currently, the physical progress of the entire project stands at 243 km (1.24%) out of the total 2,044.1 km.