WE WILL DEAL WITH RAIL VANDALS — GOV OTTI

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia State Government has expressed its readiness to support the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District to achieve the goal of fixing the rail track in the state.

The state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, made this known when he met with officials of the Nigeria Railway corporation, Eastern District who were on a business visit to him.

While saying it is his wish that train services returned to the Eastern tracks after a long spell, Governor Otti gave team the assurance of providing them with enabling environment to function in the state.

He also requested them to update him with developments regarding the on-going rehabilitation of the rail line.

The Governor pledged to address the request for security and further engage the people on the need to safeguard railway installations in their localities.

He warned that any person caught engaging in vandalism would be dealt with.

Earlier, the Railway District Manager, Mr. Modibbo Mohammed, said their visit was to brief the Governor about the on-going rehabilitation of the railway track from Port Harcourt.

He stated that the first phase of the laying of new rail covering 63 km from Port Harcourt to Aba would be completed by the end of this year while the 2nd phase from Aba to Umuahia would be delivered in the first quarter of next year.

District Manager solicited the support of the Governor in tackling the issue of vandalised rail tracks stacked in some locations in the state and appealed for patrol vehicles.

Mr. Modibbo promised that the railway services when fully operational would create jobs for youths and provide alternative means of transportation.

He commended the Governor for the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state within his short time in office.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU