By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to complete the Abuja light rail project within the next eight months.
Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Ubokutom Nyah, disclosed this during the ride and inspection of Abuja metro light rail to ascertain the pace of work done on the vandalized rail tracks and other facilities.
Few days ago, the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike had identified public transportation as a major challenge that must be addressed in order to meet up with Tinubu’s quest to ride in the rail.
Nyah said: “Residents of the FCT are in for a big surprise and a good time from the honourable minister of the federal capital Territory. The completion of the Abuja Light Rail might come sooner than it was expected because what we have seen today is a great job.
“We have gone through over 60% of the rail road, took a ride on it, and i can convincingly state that the vandalised parts of the railroads have been duly completed. The cleaning is going on and i am told that the communication cables are already on the port and will soon come in.
“Against the projection of 9months or so in the contract, i think the masses will ride on the train much earlier than it was expected and we are happy that in less than 2 months, restoration of the vandalized facilities has been completed.
“I also needed to take a ride on the train to make sure that in fact, what I’m being told is right. Together with my directors and other stakeholders, we have had first hand confirmation, I am indeed impressed with the world class facilities and happy to be a Nigerian that these facilities are being installed during our time.
“We believe that in much lesser time than projected contract period, the president will certainly ride the Abuja Light Rail. The concept and vision of renewed hope is a catalyst to every work that is being done in this country and this has also affected the program of the execution of the restoration of the railways.”
Nyah also spoke on the security measures taken to prevent any kidnap of passengers on the track.
“Last week when we visited the vandalised parts of the blockage, we stated that the key vision of the FCT administration is hinged on 3 parts which are security, affordability and flexibility and this was to outline that on every part of our operation, security is very important and it could not be less on the railway, knowing what has happened in the past”.
