Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the Abuja Light Rail project was already 95 percent completed and due for commissioning in May.
He affirmed this yesterday when he hosted the Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pieter Leenknegt, noting that the feat was part of efforts to improve public transportation in the nation’s capital.
“I can announce to you that we are almost there. The company handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is almost 95 per cent completed. By the grace of God, we believe that in May, Mr President will inaugurate it,” Wike said.
The minister noted that the administration realised when it came on board that the Abuja Light Rail was not functional and felt that to decongest the city, it must be made functional.
“The people can use it going out of the city, going to the airport and other area councils, and instead of going with their vehicles they can take the train.”
He also admitted that the deficit in public transportation was constituting a security nuisance in the city, adding that most of the operators were not registered.
He added that the government had concluded plans to build taxi and bus terminals where residents could patronise registered and identified operators.
He disclosed that the construction of the terminals would commence in the next one month, with the approval of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The minister also said discussion was ongoing with the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General, Department of State Services, and cattle herders on ways to stop open grazing in the city.
He explained that the discussion was to get the herders to understand why they should not rear cattle within the city.
“I can tell you that it is not what we want, but believing that the matter will be resolved, and alternative will be provided for the herders to rear their cattle,” he said.
The Belgian Ambassador said the visit was to get to know the minister’s plans in mass public transportation, update on the Abuja Light Rail project and the stand on open grazing in the city.
Leenknegt also stated that the Belgian government was open for partnership on areas of mutual benefits.
