By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
The Federal Executive Council has approved N272.7 million consultancy services for the feasibility study and conceptual design of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit network, Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammed, said yesterday.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the weekly FEC meeting in Abuja, Dr Muhammad said lots four, five and six of the rail project have completion period of one year.
The minister said funds for the contract would be sourced from a provision of N280 million in the 2014 FCT Statutory Appropriation for the project.
He said: “The Minister of the FCT brought a memo to council seeking approval for the award of contract for the feasibility study and conceptual design of Lots 4, 5, and 6 of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit network for the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT Rail Mass Transit system is designed primarily as mover of people within and between the satellite towns and the different phases of the city. Also, the Abuja rail system will be integrated with the planned national rail network.
“There is a provision of N280,000,000.00 in the 2014 FCT Statutory Appropriation for the project. The projects upon completion will reduce traffic congestion, shorten journeys distances and reduce pressure on existing public transport services. The project will also provide employment opportunities to about 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers while about 4,500 skilled workers will be engaged in the direct operation of the system on completion.”
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed explained further that Lot 4 of the rail system is from Kuje to Karshi, Lot 5 from Kubwa to Bwari and Lot 6 from Airport to Gwagwalada.
He said Lot 2 of the rail system would convey passengers from Nyanya to city centre and to Kubwa in Bwari Area Council.