Work begins on Port Harcourt Monorail as Governor Amaechi doles out N11bn
Governor Amaechi hopes that Port Harcourt monorail project will help to boost the economy of Rivers State
Work has begun on the Port Harcourt Monorail project introduced by the Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration in Rivers State. Already, N11 billion has been released as part of the State government’s equity for the construction of the monorail which is constructed under a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
Media Adviser to the Rivers State Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, told newsmen in Abuja that the monorail which would be the first of its kind in West Africa, was developed for mass transportation within the Port Harcourt metropolis, adding that it would not only decongest roads in the city, but would also provide a competitive mass transport solution to the city, and create job opportunities.
Iyofor said the public private partnership project between the Rivers State Government and TSI Holdings Limited was projected to cost of $318 million with an equity division of 20 per cent to the State Government and 80 per cent to TSI Holdings.
He explained that Governor Amaechi adopted the idea in line with his efforts to decongest traffic in the city and make transportation easily and readily accessible to residents of the State.
He noted: “Commuters would surely heave a sigh of relief at the completion of this project as it would be reliable in transporting large number of people rapidly and conveniently along special routes aimed at optimal traffic decongestion.
“The first phase of 19.5 km track length is expected to be completed two years from the day of its foundation laying ceremony performed by President Goodluck Jonathan during his official visit to Rivers State in May.”
Iyofor listed the proposed routes for the first phase as “Aggrey road through Station road- Azikiwe road- Aba road to Water lines junction.” He added: “This route would have double tracks from Station road to Waterlines junction on Aba road and a single track loop at UTC junction through Ikwere road to UST roundabout- Abuja by-pass- Olu Obasanjo road to Waterlines junction on Aba road. This route is referred to as the Eastern Route.
“The proposed kind of train to be used on the Rivers Monorail is the Intamin P30 Monorail Train, an electric driven train designed and most suitable for commuter services in cities as seen in some parts of Europe.
It is characterized by modern design, spacious cabins and is equipped with large doors for easy access for all passengers particularly those with luggage.
“From estimations made, the maximum carrying capacity of each of the trains would be 330 passengers per direction, five passengers per cabin.”
Source: Nigeria Vanguard
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