PH Port Commences Work On Rail Tracks

The Eastern Port Opera tions of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has kick started the rehabilitation work on the 200 kilometer rail lines in Port Harcourt Port.

The project which has been awarded to Metro Technicals Limited at the cost of about N900 million is expected to be completed in about eight months time.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony recently at Port Harcourt port complex, the General Manager, Capital Project, NPA, Engr. Timilope Talabi, said the rehabilitation of the rail lines in the ports is complementary to the efforts of federal Government towards revitalizing the rail transportation system in the country.

He said that the rail tracks, when completed, would serve as a corridor to importers and exporters in haulage of their goods to and from different destinations. Also, that it would improve the economy of the Port Authority, save the life span of our roads and transport bulk of the cargoes than land transport. Talabi assured that the project will not be abandoned as was the case in the past, because the bank has guaranteed the funds and the contractors are on grounds, with good supervision and monitoring, it would be completed on schedule, he noted.

Also speaking, the Port Harcourt Port manager, Lawrence Dele Alabi, disclosed that the project is not a stand alone project, rather a complementary to the Federal government rail track, wagon, and locomotive power rehabilitation.

The Ports as the gateway to the nations economy, rail transport is seen as the most compatible transport system to the maritime activities as a transit base for cargo handling and movement, he said.

On port concession, he commended the Port operators in the area of revenue generation, cargo flow and handling, as well as job creation, but regretted that they have not done enough in the area of Port development.

The managing Director, Metro technical ltd, Engr. Mike Okoye, the major contractor, thanked NPA for opportunity and assured to deliver the job on time.