Reps query Minister over slow pace of work on Abuja rail project

By Umar Muhammad Puma

Dissatisfied with the slow pace of work on the Abuja Light Rail project expected to be completed at the end of 2013, the House of Representatives has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, to ensure the completion of the project by end of this year.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Rep. Emanuel Jime (APC Benue), noted that the rail project which ought to have been completed by the 31st of December last year has only attained 38% completion.

This according to him is a source of concern for the committee.

He expressed displeasure at the way and manner the management of the FCT was handling the project as he said “this project, because of its importance to the general populance of the FCT, need to be completed on time to ease the transport difficulties face by the Abuja residence”.

“I’m surprised to see that only paltry sums of 1 billion Naira has been allocated in 2014 appropriation for the Abuja light rail project, whereas the requirement for counterpart funding is N9billion yearly.”

On the water supply project, Jime said the committee has verified that the Lower Usuma Dam water treatment plant which stores 3million cubic metres of water has been completed and ready for use and yet it has not been put to use.

On the recreational facilities, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing project at the Millennium Tour, which was expected to host the Nigerian Centenary celebration.”The Centenary celebration has ended, as we all know the project is only 28% completed”.

Reacting the FCT minister said “with regard to the light rail project, the completion period has to change because we re-conceptualized the project because of the financing programme and plan of the project that has to do with external borrowing.