Criminals Vandalizing Rail Properties to Face Prosecution, Warns Transport Minister
RAIL STATION IN PH
By Francis Ugwoke
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo weekend disclosed that work on the Port Harcourt-Maidugiri Eastern rail line was suspended following security issues and vandalization of rail properties in the area.
Sambo who expressed disappointment over the development warned that criminals involved in such acts of vandalization would face prosecution if caught.
Speaking on Friday during a visit to the Nigeria Railway Service compound, Enugu, while on the tour of the Eastern ports, the Minister said the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCEC), which is the contractor handling the project has complained of the vandalization of railway properties.
He said some workers of the contractor have been attacked along Abia state axis .
He called on the judiciary and the media to collaborate with the Ministry in the fight against the saboteurs, adding that the federal government has invested heavily.
He said no administration has invested more in rail services than the present administration, adding that this was for the economic good of Nigerians.
He also disclosed that so far, foreign funding on rail was still expected, adding that so far it was the 15% of the counterpart funding by Nigeria that was in use.
According to him, the 85 percent funding to be provided by foreign partners is still being awaited as negotiation continues..
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo weekend disclosed that work on the Port Harcourt-Maidugiri Eastern rail line was suspended following security issues and vandalization of rail properties in the area.
Sambo who expressed disappointment over the development warned that criminals involved in such acts of vandalization would face prosecution if caught.
Speaking on Friday during a visit to the Nigeria Railway Service compound, Enugu, while on the tour of the Eastern ports, the Minister said the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCEC), which is the contractor handling the project has complained of the vandalization of railway properties.
He said some workers of the contractor have been attacked along Abia state axis .
He called on the judiciary and the media to collaborate with the Ministry in the fight against the saboteurs, adding that the federal government has invested heavily.
He said no administration has invested more in rail services than the present administration, adding that this was for the economic good of Nigerians.
He also disclosed that so far, foreign funding on rail was still expected, adding that so far it was the 15% of the counterpart funding by Nigeria that was in use.
According to him, the 85 percent funding to be provided by foreign partners is still being awaited as negotiation continues..
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