The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed his intention to revive the Abuja Light Rail, also known as Abuja Rail Mass Transit, in a bid to alleviate transportation challenges in the nation's capital. Wike emphasized the need to complete existing projects before undertaking new ones, highlighting the importance of reducing traffic congestion and improving public transportation in the city. The minister's commitment to the revitalization of the rail system is expected to bring relief to commuters and significantly enhance transportation in Abuja.
The transportation sector in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set to receive a boost as the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, announced plans to revive the Abuja Light Rail, also known as Abuja Rail Mass Transit. During a tour of the Metro Station with the top management staff of the FCTA, Wike expressed his commitment to improving transportation in Abuja.
Wike emphasized the need to complete ongoing projects such as the Abuja Light Rail before embarking on new ones. "Every project that commenced must be finished before embarking on another one, considering the availability of resources," he stressed. He further stated that completed and functioning projects would inspire confidence among the public.
With concerns about traffic congestion in the city, Wike highlighted the importance of addressing the most traffic-congested areas and implementing interventions to decongest those areas. He acknowledged the existence of the metro station in Abuja and questioned why it was not operational. Wike urged the construction company in charge of the rail project, CCECC Nig. Ltd, to ensure the delivery of quality projects.
As part of his commitment to improving the rail system, Wike took a train ride from the Metro Station to the Airport and Idu Stations to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation project. He described it as a "good project" and expressed confidence that its completion would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Speaking about the availability of funds for the rehabilitation project, Wike directed the Permanent Secretary, Mr Adesola Olusade, to ensure the contractor is paid. He hinted that the project could be commissioned and put to public use in the coming months.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for FCT, also emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by the rail transport system to make it operational and beneficial to the public. She echoed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to palliative measures that alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, commended Wike for prioritizing project completion and emphasized his reputation as a master project implementation strategist. Adesola highlighted the challenges faced by the ARMT system, including vandalization of rail infrastructure during the COVID-19 lockdown. He assured that measures have been put in place to salvage the situation and engage private security companies to address the issue.
Mr Joseph Akinteye, the Director of Transportation, FCTA, provided details about the rehabilitation project, highlighting that Lots 1 A and 3 of the ARMT system spanning 45.245 km were completed in 2017 and commissioned in 2018. The ongoing rehabilitation project aims to address the hurdles in the operation process and contribute significantly to reducing the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
The revival of the Abuja Light Rail underscores the commitment of the FCT administration to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the nation's capital. As efforts to complete the rehabilitation project intensify, commuters can look forward to a more efficient and reliable rail system that will significantly enhance the transportation experience in Abuja.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-23 News
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