Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that about 1,400 houses are to be demolished in Ogun State to create right of way for the much-touted Lagos-Ibadan rail project.
He made this disclosure during an assessment of the rail project in Abeokuta.
According to him, the ministry was also holding talks with the residents of some villages in Ewekoro, near Abeokuta, on the right of way for the project.
It was gathered that the demolition will mostly affect residents of Harmony Estate, near Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.
He gave the assurance that he would consult with governor Ibikunle Amosun on the proposed demolition of the structures.
He said that efforts were being made to complete all project works before the rainy season.
He added that there was a huge compensation to be paid, adding that contractors were not happy that obstructions were impeding progress of the project.
“Considering what we are meeting with on the project’s right of way, the cost is huge. On the job done so far, I am satisfied, even though the contractor is now behind schedule.
“Before, they were meeting up with the time schedule, but now they are not; and the excuse they are giving me is that, if we remove all the issues on the right of way, they wouldn’t be behind schedule,” Amaechi stated.
