The possibility of completing the rail project between Lagos and Ibadan by December 2018 deadline seems doubtful, due to some obstructions that could militate against the project.
Although, the major stakeholders in the project – Lagos State Government and Federal Government – have worked out agreement to demolish two bridges that are located on the line where the rail gauge is to be constructed, there are, still, some technicalities that could affect the smooth completion of the rail line, like water pipes, gas pipelines and abridges, amongst others.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said after the monthly meeting of the Project Implementation Committee with the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), the contractor handling the $1.5bn project, disclosed that they were now “battling with time schedule.” This statement is a thinly-veiled statement that shows that the December 2018 deadline may not be feasible, shipsandports says.
He saud that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had started the inspection of some of the gas pipelines on the right of way of the project, in Ogun State, saying the inspection would be completed, soon.
Speaking concerning the commencement of laying of tracks, the Minister said this can be determined, when all issues of right of way were resolved.
He said that he was working in partnership with some relevant stakeholders – including the Lagos and Ogun State government officials, to address the challenges, noting that the target of the contractor was to finish all civil works before the commencement of the rainy season.
“We still have challenges with water and gas pipelines in Lagos. We are, also, having problem with the barracks as you can see the Army people are here. But we are all working together,” he said.
