Governor Alex Otti has promised that he will support the return of train services to Abia State after three decades.
The Governor revealed this when he met with officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District on Wednesday at his Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South country home during a business visit to him.
Otti noticed that rail transportation used to be the most viable means of transportation in the country before its fortune declined in the last 3 decades.
He however promised to support the corporation with all that they require to function in the state and requested them to update him with developments regarding the ongoing rehabilitation of the rail line.
Otti also promised to address the request for security and further engage the people on the need to protect and safeguard railway installations in their localities and warned that any person caught engaging in vandalization will be dealt with.
Earlier, the Railway District Manager, Mr.Modibbo Mohammed said their visit was to brief Abia State Governor about the ongoing rehabilitation work on the railway track from Port Harcourt.
Mohammed disclosed that the first phase of the laying of new rail line covering 63 km from Port Harcourt to Aba will be completed by the end of this year, while the 2nd phase from Aba to Umuahia will be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
The Eastern District Manager solicited the support of the Governor in tackling the issue of vandalization of the rail tracks stacked in some locations in the state
Modibbo said that the railway services when fully operational will create jobs for the youths as well as provide alternative means of transportation.
He also commended the Governor for the massive infrastructural development being witnessed in the state within his short time in office.
The Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, Special Adviser to the Governor ,Trade, Commerce and Industry Chief Nwaka Inem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due process Dr Oluebube Chukwu,the Senior special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland security Mr Chukwunenye Alajemba etc were present during the meeting.
credit: PM News
