Abuja light rail: FG budgets N180m for compensation

The Federal Government has budgeted N180 million for compensation and resettlement of persons whose properties will be demolished as a result of the construction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) light rail project.FCT Minister Bala Mohammed said this yesterday while inspecting the progress of the project on the first day of the 2012 National Good Governance Tour.He said the project, which is now at 22 percent and has the capacity to transport about 2 million people on a daily basis on completion, will create job opportunities for millions of people and ease the pressure on our roads.'So far N22 billion has been paid to the contractors and the sum of US$500 has been obtained as loan from the Chinese government through the Chinese Nexim bank,' he said.{loadposition user30}Speaking on the sustainability of the light rail when completed, the minister said part of the maintenance would be concessioned.Information Minister, Labaran Maku said the tour is to enable Nigerians ascertain the progress the Goodluck Jonathan administration is making in implementing its transformation agenda and also to make available to them information in an easy way.Also speaking, Yuan Yong, project administrator China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) assured that the project will be completed by 2015 as scheduled.The team also inspected ongoing projects at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), rehabilitation and expansion of the Abuja airport expressway, Passport office annex and the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Digital Transmission.
Click here to read full news..