x

Lagos-Ibadan rail: FG berates CCECC over slow pace of work

By Jennifer Y Omiloli

Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi expressed dissatisfaction with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation’s slow pace of work on the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan railway standard gage.

He accused the contractor of refusing to mobilize his staff to site on the pretext that some sub-contractors were unable to supply the portion of their work.

Amaechi spoke during a $1.5 billion standard gauge rail project inspection in Ologun-Eru State area on Tuesday.

He said, “If I say I am impressed with the CCECC on the Lagos axis of this project, then I am lying. We are just not there in the Lagos area at all.

“We have resolved all the crises in Lagos; and I must commend the Lagos State Water Corporation people for resolving the water pipeline issue, which constituted a major hindrance to the project. After the resolution of this issue, the CCECC has refused to mobilise to site in Lagos.”

On excuses given by the contractor for the delay, Amaechi stated, “The CCECC gave reasons for the slow pace of work at the Lagos end. They claimed that the jobs given to some of the sub-contractors were not met. For instance, the person relocating the water pipes was expected to finish that by November 2; but now the person is asking for additional two months to complete that.

“The excuse given by the sub-contractor is that there are other issues that have to be solved before the water pipes can be relocated. For me, this excuse, although tenable, is not excusable. There is a need for them to speed up because the speed between part of Ogun and Ibadan is encouraging; but the speed from Apapa to Ebute-Meta and to some other parts of Lagos is discouraging. The solution to the water pipelines has been found, but relocation is what is delaying us now.”

On the December deadline given to the contractor to complete the project, the minister explained, “Don’t forget this is a three-year project that we are trying to complete within a year. As I speak, there are only three bridges remaining to be completed between Abeokuta and Ibadan. Between Ogun and Lagos, there are just few bridges remaining to be completed. We will keep putting pressure on them to make sure that the project is completed quickly.”

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Military Neutralizes Bandit, Arrests Gunrunner, Recovers Arms in Plateau

By Israel Adamu, Jos Troops of the 3 Division and...

MDCAN Backs NMA’s 21-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Controversial Circular

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Medical and Dental Consultants Association...

Falgore Pledges Stronger Legislative Commitment to Reducing Road Crashes

By Jabiru Hassan The Speaker of the Kano State House...

Kaduna Strengthens Community-Driven Response to Climate Shocks

...Unveils Engagement Framework at High-Level Dissemination Event By Achadu Gabriel,...

KDSG to Refund Buyers of Revoked Institutional Houses Starting Monday

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Kaduna State Government (KDSG) has...

Army Chief to Uba Sani: ‘You Have Made Kaduna Safer’

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Chief of Army Staff, Lt....

Mass Defection to APC: Ododo’s Performance Yielding Results in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja In a significant political development, thousands...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img