Julius Berger extols Nigeria’s government over completion of Itakpe-Warri rail line

Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. (Dr) Lars Richter has praised the federal government of Nigeria for entrusting the company with the construction of a strategic project, such as Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Railway facilities.

In his goodwill message for the commissioning of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Railway facilities, Dr Richter said the success of the project is a clear testimony of President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to provide and improve lasting infrastructural amenities which impacts positively on the lives of citizens across the length and breadth of this nation.

The Julius Berger boss, who was represented at the commissioning of the project bythe company’s Executive Director, Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Ibrahim Bayi, traced the history of the Itakpe – Ajaokuta –Warri railway project to 1987 when the Contract for the Construction of 51Km Railway line linking the Itakpe Iron Ore mine with Ajaokuta Steel Mill was awarded to Julius Berger and was later extended to include from Ajaokuta to Warri (Aladja Steel Plant and Jetty).

According to him, the Contracts which were originally domiciled with the then Federal Ministry of Mines, Power and Steel was eventually transferred to the Federal Ministry of Transport when the project was restructured to include transportation of passengers along Itakpe-Warri corridor in addition to the original concept of freight movement service for the steel industry.

The further expanded scope of work included the construction of a section of Railway formation and laying of tracks from near Agbarho to Delta Steel Mill at Ovwian/Aladja; completion of 20 overpasses and bridges; and construction of Level crossings, hydraulic drainage structures and associated works.

Bayi, however, announced that the 22Km track laying works from Ovu to Aladja has been completed; the overbridges and overpasses have also been accomplished.

The completed Railway and railway service facilities, Bayi said, include the maintenance Workshop and Warehouse; the Vehicle Maintenance depot and Workshop; the Railway Trucks Refuelling Station; First Aid Station; and the furnished Railway Station Offices.

Other completed works are the renovation and refurbishment of the Railway village, comprising of School building, Clinic, Recreational facilities, Fire Station, Police Station; and other ancillaries buildings. “I am humbled to announce to this gathering that these structures mentioned above were constructed following international due diligence and best practice; a hallmark of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc”, said Bayi.