The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, unveiled plans to investigate the perimeter fencing of the $500 million Abuja-Kaduna Rail Lines project.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, who frowned at the crisis between Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and communities surrounding the rail lines, particularly herdsmen.
In his lead debate, Hon Nyampa applauded Federal Government’s stride on the implementation of the ongoing railway projects across the country, noted that the railway projects will contribute significantly to easing the movement of persons and goods across the country.
“The House is aware that the Abuja-Kaduna Railway is a standard gauge that runs through nine Stations from Idu Station to Kuchibon, Asham, Jere, Gidan, Rijana, Dutse, Kakau and terminates at Rigasa in Kaduna.
“The House is also aware of the need to provide perimeter fencing to avoid accidents that could arise from human beings or animals crossing rail tracks and install a digital security system to enable the operators to know when there is an impact on the rail, and consequently get the needed help.
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“The House is concerned that the operators have been having a running battle with communities surrounding the rail lines, particularly herdsmen, some of whose cattle that strayed into the rail tracks were crushed by a moving train.
“The House is also concerned that an inexperienced train driver could easily be frightened and confused in such situations, and in the process of trying to avoid the cattle may derail, which could be extremely disastrous.
“The House recalls that the rail line, which is the first commercial standard gauge train service in Nigeria, was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) from a $500 million concessionary loan from China Exim Bank scheduled to finance 85 per cent of the project while the remaining 15 per cent was a counterpart funding of Nigeria.
“The House regrets that despite the inclusion of a perimeter fencing in the scope of work, the dominant challenge on the service is vandalisation of equipment and facilities, thus constituting security and safety threats.
“The House is cognizant that if the Perimeter Fencing project is completed, it will not only improve efficiency and effectiveness in the transportation system but also reduce pressure on the nation’s roads and curtail fatal accidents.”
To this end, the House urged Federal Government to increase the number of security personnel stationed along the Abuja Kaduna Railway as well as increase surveillance and intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas.
The House also mandated its Committee on Land Transport to investigate the extent to which the variation to accommodate the perimeter fencing of the rail lines was carried out and the level of implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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Reps probe $500m Abuja-Kaduna Rail line perimeter fencing
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