The Eastern District of the Nigerian Railway Corporation has begun collaborative efforts with governors in the Southeast to reclaim encroached railway right-of-way across the region.
The District Manager, Ogbuehi Francis Ezuike, disclosed this while inspecting ongoing recovery work along Amuzukwu–Umuwaya Road in Umuahia. He revealed that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to restore railway transportation in the Southeast.
Ezuike further announced that plans are underway to commence the extension of the rail line from Aba to Enugu. He commended the Abia State Government for its cooperation and support in reclaiming sections of railway corridors that had been encroached upon.
He noted that the corporation has intensified public sensitization campaigns, warning against illegal construction and commercial activities along railway corridors, which he described as unacceptable and unsafe.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomoh, highlighted the cordial relationship between the state government and the NRC. He said the state is working towards an integrated and seamless transportation system, citing the development of a new bus terminal and plans to link it with an extended railway terminal in Umuahia.
Agomoh explained that the ongoing recovery exercise would cover the stretch from ShopRite to Aba Park in Umuahia, adding that the reclaimed areas would be beautified to improve the aesthetics of the state capital.
On relocation efforts, he stated that Okigwe Park has been designated as a temporary site for traders displaced from the Isi Gate area, pending the completion of a modern relief market at Afaraukwu Ibeku.
In her remarks, the Railway Property Manager in Umuahia, Ifeanyi Patience, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the recovery exercise, noting that many of the affected areas had previously been illegally occupied with permanent structures.
She also praised the administration ofDr Alex otti for the ongoing infrastructural development in the state,which has placed the State on a higher pedestal
