By Stanley Onyekwere
Ahead of its planned May 29 commissioning, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project otherwise called Abuja Light Rail Scheme is now 97 per cent completed.
This was disclosed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Friday, after an inspection tour from the Metro Station in Central Area to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja.
Wike who described the development as a “dream comes true”, said that the project would be ready for inauguration in May, as part of activities to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
He also disclosed that Tinubu had approved the schedule for the inauguration of projects to celebrate his one year in office.
He added that as a very important project, it would be among the projects lined up to be commissioned.
According to him: “We are very happy. We are almost 97 per cent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream come true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29.’
However, the minister, who took a ride from the Metro Station to the Airport, opined that it was more convenient to use the train than vehicles to go to the airport.
“I am really impressed with the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“The company has assured us that all the renovation works on the stations will be ready before the commissioning date”, Wike stated.
Furthermore, he revealed that the FCT Administration has concluded plans to build three terminals for the road transportation system for residents of the territory.
This, he noted that would significantly help in curtailing the menace “one chance” criminals in Abuja.
Equally, the Minister expressed optimism that the FCTA road transport system would be rolled out in May, which when inaugurated, people would no longer take the risk of entering vehicles they don’t know the operators.
