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| Amaechi panics as Rivers State probe panel begins inquiry into N150 billion Monorail Project |
In continuing with its mandate to audit Amaechi's activities as the governor of the the state, the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Thursday began hearing on the N150 billion monorail project . The chairman of the commission, Justice George Omereji confirmed this.
Omereji made the statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday after counsel to the panel, Mr Zacchaeus Adangor, announced the failure of persons summoned to testify on the disbursement of N4 billion agricultural loan to appear.
He said that the commission would begin hearing in the project when it resumed on Thursday. “In view of the fact that there is no witness to give evidence on the agriculture scheme, the commission has decided to adjourn the proceedings till August 27 for the hearing on the Monorail Project,” he said.
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| Rivers State Monorail Project gulped billions without seeing completion |
The Monorail Project gulped billions of naira without seeing completion.
On 15 February, 2013, the then Governor Amaechi, promised that the phase 1A and 1B of the 6.5Km mass transit monorail system in Port Harcourt would be completed by September 2013.
He made the declaration, when the National Good Governance Tour (NGGT) team led by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
While conducting the team round the monorail site, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, stated that the project had gulped N19 billion to its then present stage [February, 2013]. He also said six different coaches had been acquired, adding that one coach would be dedicated to the physically challenged.
Curiously three months after, exactly on 30th May, 2013, Amaechi extended the deadline for the completion of the project. He however promised to see to its completion before he leaves office in 2015.
According to Amaechi, Phase A will be completed before January 2014, while Phase B which will run from the city centre to Water Lines would be completed in 2015.
The former governor broke the news in Government House during youths’ interaction with him, with the theme ‘Consolidating on the Rivers of our dream’. The event also coincided with the marking of the governor’s 48 birthday.
He went ahead to say that the train has six coaches; each has a capacity of 70 passengers and will take just five minutes to the point (Water Lines) where passengers will disembark.
According to him, the train will freight about 40,000 persons a week when it starts operation.
He added that by the time he leaves office, a total of 16 flyovers would have been built in Port Harcourt.
However, while the budgeted money dissipated, the earmarked projects are yet to be completed.
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On 15 February, 2013, the then Governor Amaechi, promised that the phase 1A and 1B of the 6.5Km mass transit monorail system in Port Harcourt would be completed by September 2013.
He made the declaration, when the National Good Governance Tour (NGGT) team led by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
While conducting the team round the monorail site, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, stated that the project had gulped N19 billion to its then present stage [February, 2013]. He also said six different coaches had been acquired, adding that one coach would be dedicated to the physically challenged.
Curiously three months after, exactly on 30th May, 2013, Amaechi extended the deadline for the completion of the project. He however promised to see to its completion before he leaves office in 2015.
According to Amaechi, Phase A will be completed before January 2014, while Phase B which will run from the city centre to Water Lines would be completed in 2015.
The former governor broke the news in Government House during youths’ interaction with him, with the theme ‘Consolidating on the Rivers of our dream’. The event also coincided with the marking of the governor’s 48 birthday.
He went ahead to say that the train has six coaches; each has a capacity of 70 passengers and will take just five minutes to the point (Water Lines) where passengers will disembark.
According to him, the train will freight about 40,000 persons a week when it starts operation.
He added that by the time he leaves office, a total of 16 flyovers would have been built in Port Harcourt.
However, while the budgeted money dissipated, the earmarked projects are yet to be completed.
Related Stories:
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