Reps probe $500m Abuja-Kaduna rail line perimeter fencing

By Christiana Ekpa 

The House of Representatives,  Tuesday, resolved to investigate the perimeter fencing of the $500 million Abuja-Kaduna Rail Lines project.

The House urged Federal Government to increase the number of security personnel stationed along the Abuja Kaduna Railway as well as increase surveillance and intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas.

The House urged Federal Government to increase the number of security personnel stationed along the Abuja Kaduna Railway as well as increase surveillance and intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas.

The House resolutions was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, who frowned at the crisis between Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and communities surrounding the rail lines, particularly herdsmen.

Hon. Nyampa while presenting, applauded Federal Government’s stride on the implementation of the ongoing railway projects across the country, noted that the railway projects will contribute significantly to easing the movement of persons and goods across the country.

“Aware that the Abuja-Kaduna Railway is a standard gauge that runs through nine Stations from Idu Station to Kuchibon, Asham, Jere, Gidan, Rijana, Dutse, Kakau and terminates at Rigasa in Kaduna.

“Also aware of the need to provide perimeter fencing to avoid accidents that could arise from human beings or animals crossing rail tracks and install a digital security system to enable the operators to know when there is an impact on the rail, and consequently get the needed help.

“Concerned that the operators have been having a running battle with communities surrounding the rail lines, particularly herdsmen, some of whose cattle that strayed into the rail tracks were crushed by a moving train.

“Also concerned that an inexperienced train driver could easily be frightened and confused in such situations, and in the process of trying to avoid the cattle may derail, which could be extremely disastrous.

“Recalls that the rail line, which is the first commercial standard gauge train service in Nigeria, was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) from a $500 million concessionary loan from China Exim Bank scheduled to finance 85 per cent of the project while the remaining 15 per cent was a counterpart funding of Nigeria.

“Regrets that despite the inclusion of a perimeter fencing in the scope of work, the dominant challenge on the service is vandalisation of equipment and facilities, thus constituting security and safety threats.

“Cognizant that if the Perimeter Fencing project is completed, it will not only improve efficiency and effectiveness in the transportation system but also reduce pressure on the nation’s roads and curtail fatal accidents,” he said.