Governor Caleb Mutfwang has promised Plateau citizens that arrangements have been concluded towards the speedy completion of the ongoing railway project in the state.
The governor said that the project would cushion the effects of the high cost of transport and drive development and economic growth in the state.
Mutfwang said this while inspecting the ongoing railway project at the Jos Terminus Station, to ascertain the level of completion.
Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, he maintained that the project became necessary to address the high cost of transport, current economic hardship, and promoting agricultural development in the state.
“The railway system plays a significant role in the development and overall growth of any economy. It is often regarded as the wheels of economic activity because of the crucial role it plays in providing the bulwark upon which production and distribution stand.
“It opens up regions, hinterlands, and rural areas by facilitating agricultural development as well as the growth of cottage and large-scale industries. It also attracts residential,
commercial, educational, and recreational settlements and developments around its corridor, which is why my administration swung into action to revive this important sector that has been left to rot.
“The importance of the rail line is further accentuated by its safety and security factors, especially as we are faced with insecurity in our state and offers lower unit costs in terms of transport fares. It is in good stead to serve as the hub of a transport system in our dear state.
Mutfwang urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure the speedy completion of the project and ensure that it is upgraded to standard.
The National President of, the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, Mr Innocent Ajiji, who spoke on behalf of the corporation, revealed that the locomotive trains would begin operations before the end of December.
Ajiji who applauded the state government for reviving the railway system after years of neglect, said that two locomotive engines and 6 coaches were on ground to begin operations.
He said each coach could carry over a hundred passengers and they would be renovated to meet up with standards.
He added that though the trains were not new models, they still had a lifespan of more than 50 years from now and are being used in different parts of the country and other parts of the world.
Ajiji said the rail line which would run from the Kuru Terminal to the Terminus Station, would boost the agricultural and economic status of the state and reduce the prices of food as farmers would have a cheaper and faster means of transport.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Davou Jatau, applauded Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the laudable effort. He said that the project should make every Plateau citizen proud. And pointed out that the idea of governance is to bring development and uplift the lives of the people.
Jatau also stressed that the governor is showing uncommon leadership, focus, determination, and willpower to deliver, and has remained undeterred and unwavering even in the face of very limited resources available to him.
