Metro
Minister Summons CCECC, TEAM Over Failure To Deliver 156Km Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project
Rotimi Amaechi
Aminat Aminu
The Minister of Transportation, Hon.Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has summoned China Civil Construction Company (CCECC), and TEAM Consortium for questions over failure to deliver the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan rail project for commissioning by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Amaechi stated this at the Moniya-Ibadan station during an inspection tour of the project adding that the agreed delivery time for the commissioning of the project is this April which they have failed to meet up with.
According to the Minister who is disheartened by the slow pace of work at some of the stations, “We agreed with them that we will commission this April, but who will commission an uncompleted project.
“For CCECC, I’m sick and tired of them and that is why I asked them to see us on Wednesday, although most of the things remaining are minor and it cannot delay the movement of goods. They have promised to finish by the end of the month; okay I believe them, but I want them to reiterate that,” laments Amaechi
Expressing his displeasure, Amaechi hinted that TEAM consultant firm had complained about CCECC’s habit of not adhering to work plan, but directed that, work plans must be followed accordingly in the case of Ibadan-Kano rail project both in terms of payment, construction, inspection and everything.
“The Ibadan-Kano rail project would be a different ball game as the plan must be followed.
Addressing the concern of communities around the railway over flooding incident caused by the construction on that axis, the Minister assured that the issue of flooding would be properly addressed when assessment is made during the raining season.
“During the raining season we will observe where the construction has led to flooding as citizens that have given us land must enjoy the sacrifice they made and when it happens we correct those mistakes.”
He further revealed that once appointment has been made with the regards with a date for the commissioning of the project, he is sure that CCECC will speed up as what is left are minor compared to what is on ground.
“We are trying to get appointment from the Office of the President for the date of commissioning. Once they give us the date, we will let the public know. There a lot of things involved in bringing the president to commission a project, but, if you look at level of work, we cannot ask the president to commission this. However, once we give CCECC definite time, I know they will speed up.
“There are some minor things they still need to put in place, but it’s taking them a long time to do that. Some of those things should not take more than a day or two to put in place; so I’m worried.”
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