Amaechi: Pipelines on Rail Tracks May Delay Completion of Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project
The Minister of Transportation, Hon Rotimi Amaechi Monday expressed worry that pipelines and other equipment on rail tracks may delay the early completion of the Ibadan-Lagos standard gauge railway project.
Amaechi said the contractor handling the job, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), has been finding it difficult to relocate the pipelines.
Briefing newsmen after the inspection of the rail project at Ibadan, he identified water pipes, gas and fuel pipelines have been major challenge for the contractor.
He however said challenge on the bridges has been taken care of.
The Minister said though the laying of tracks from Agbado-Ibadan may have been completed, the biggest issue for the contractor is how to relocate the pipelines obstructing the rail tracks.
He added that the contractor has been able to deal with the problem of equipment from Iju to Apapa, adding the Flour Mills will not be a problem.
Amaechi said, “We will talk with them; pay them compensation and demolish the portion we need.
“But there is a pipe they have which is very dangerous, it comes from Escravos and the moment you shut that pipe, there will be fuel scarcity.
“We can’t afford fuel scarcity; so, we can’t afford to shut it down. Of concern to the contractor is the relocation of the Flour Mill Factory constructed on the existing narrow gauge track.”
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