Railway: FG Confirms Plan to Demolish Jibowu, Costain Bridges in Lagos

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, November 7th, 2017

LAGOS, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Federal Government FG has given hint that the popular Jibowu and Costain bridges in Lagos Mainland would be demolished so as to give way for the new railway lines.

Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi gave the hint Monday in Lagos in his remarks at a meeting with the Steering Committee of the project and the China Civil Engineering Construction Company CCECC.

The former Rivers State Governor also confirmed that the laying of tracks of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line would commence in December.

“The two bridges that we may likely demolish are Jibowu and Costain to give way to the rail lines.

“But we are rebuilding them immediately; we are not going to abandon them.

“The challenges will be in the cities like Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan because we have to pay compensation, look at the water pipes, gas pipes, houses and cables.

“In Lagos especially, we deal with bridges, electric cables and water pipes and other assets” the Minister said.

Mr. Amaechi equally confirmed that CCECC was consulting with the Lagos State Water Corporation, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, among others, to facilitate relocation of water and gas pipelines that were parallel to the railway line.

He specified that CCECC would start laying tracks by December 2017 in Lagos, noting that parts of the rail lines that would be used for the project would arrive the country by November

Mr. Amaechi however while inspecting the level of work done, urged CCECC to speed up work so as to meet the deadline.

He also called on the Inspector General of Police IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to ensure adequate security was provided for officials of CCECC handling the construction of the rail line.

Similarly, he urged the Coordinator of the project, Mr Leo Tim, to complete the necessary documentation to facilitate the provision of security on site by relevant security agencies.

After leaving Lagos, Amaechi also visited Ijoko, Papalanto, Itori and Ewekoro communities in Ogun State as part of the monthly site monitoring to ensure that the December 2018 timeline for the project is met.