The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on Tuesday disclosed that the first phase of a rail transit project in Abuja, Nigeria will be commissioned by December.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, Project Manager, CCECC, Kong Tao, explained that the rail transit project, which costs $823 million, has a length of 45 km with 12 passengers' stations.

The rail, he said, links the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Central Business District (CBD). It will be test-run by November and commissioned for public use in December.

According to Kong, the project once completed would create jobs, boost the commercial activities of the host communities and fast-track economic growth.

“The realization of this large scale project will definitely deliver many benefits to the general public, such as better investment environment. It will also enhance better living condition, more employment, land value enhancement, energy saving and greater social responsibility,” he added.

The Project Manager, however, expressed concerns over the rate of vandalism in the country, noting that the company’s facilities were often destroyed.

Anita Fatunji