Without a functional rail network, there cannot be an effective mass transit scheme, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.
Speaking during a tour of the Kubwa Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) and Abuja light rail in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jonathan said recommendations on a viable rail system would be part of his hand over notes to the President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.
The train, he said, is important to mass transit, adding that the scheme won’t succeed without a train backbone.
His administration, he said, made some progress in the rail sector, which he urged the incoming administration to sustain.
The rail, the President noted, remains the only way to reduce the cost of transportation in the country, saying: “We cannot continue to emphasise the need to develop an effective mass transit system that is built around the railway. We cannot talk about mass transit using taxis, small cars, small buses and large capacity luxury buses, because they are usually expensive on the long run.
“That was why we started the move to connect all state capitals by rail.The inter-city rail network is critical as it would reduce the cost of intercity transportation by other modes of road transportation. This we intend would be complemented by a viable intra-city light rail system that would take care of commuting within our cities. This should continue to be the primary focus of government, until we eventually get it, transportation may continue to be expensive for the masses.”
Jonathan said efficient, reliable and affordable rail transportation would promote even distribution of population and further stimulate the economy.
He praised the FCT Minister, Mr. Bala Mohammed and the Federal Capital Territory Authourity (FCTA), for the work done by the contractor, China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), adding that he is satisfied with the pace of the project.
The President said when completed, the projects would ease the movement of Nigerians, particularly those living in Abuja.
“I must congratulate Nigerians on these projects. I have seen the level of work and the determination of the contractor to complete the projects on schedule. We awarded the contract knowing their usefulness to our national life and soon Nigerians would be the happier for it,” he added. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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