The Federal Government has ordered the connection of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line, which is almost finished, to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports in Rivers State so that freight operations can start.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, revealed this while talking to reporters in Port Harcourt on Friday after inspecting the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Aba Railway track.
He also mentioned that the start of train operations on the route, originally planned for March 2024, will be delayed to April due to technical issues.
Alkali said, 'This is the second time I have come to Port Harcourt to inspect the rail line since I became the Minister of Transportation.'
He added, 'They initially said March, but during the inspection, I was trying to get a commitment from the consultant and the contractor because the last time I was here, they said March, but due to some circumstances and technical aspects of the work, it may be extended to April.'
He expressed disappointment at the contractors' failure to meet the March deadline and said, 'They (contractors) have assured us that by March 6, they will be able to start using the Port Harcourt to Aba route.'
He further explained, 'When someone gives you a deadline and it doesn't work, of course, you will be disappointed, but if someone promises to deliver in March and for any reason delivers in April, I think it's fine and we can manage with that.'
The minister clarified that even though finance is a major challenge, the Federal Government is determined to complete all rail line projects, including standard and narrow gauge, across the country.
He said, 'The contract for the standard gauge was awarded by the previous administration, so when we took over, we were trying to arrange the financing. You can't start a project without making all the financial arrangements, so as soon as the finances are ready, we will start.'
He emphasized, 'The government is serious and committed to developing all the projects in the country. We have just finished inspecting the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and aim to commence operations in April.'
He also stated, 'I have instructed the contractor to connect the Port Harcourt rail to Port Harcourt Port and Port Harcourt to Onne Port to start freight operations.'
