Kano govt signs $1.85bn city light rail agreement with Chinese coys
Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has signed a contract of $555. 2 million for construction of the first phase of the Kano city light rail.
The construction, which starts from Dawanau in the outskirts of Kano city and terminates at the busy Bata roundabout in the state capital, is part of the $1.85bn agreement with some Chinese companies.
Total value of the contract, which would entail four routes, each of which would terminate at Bata in the city is $1.85bn. Governor Ganduje explained that “85 per cent of the total contract sum would be sourced from China Exim Bank, while the balance of 15 per cent would be offset by Kano state government.”
During a brief ceremony held at the Government House in Kano, Gov Ganduje described the project as “a viable project and a significant milestone,” pointing out that the determination of his government to improve its revenue base is a pointer to the fact that the administration can execute the project.
“This is a project for posterity and I have no doubt that it would enhance the status of Kano as a commercial city, thereby increasing economic opportunities for our people,” he maintained.
He emphasized that Kano’s position as an emerging mega city requires nothing less than an efficient, safe and reliable transportation system, asserting that the light rail road map for Kano would enhance the wellbeing of the people.
Gov Ganduje announced that the project, which has two major components would be executed in four phases and completed in two years.
In his remarks, chairman, China Railway 18th Bureau Group Ltd, Mr. Peng Shiguo, assured that the company would execute a world-class job.
The project would be executed by a joint venture of China Railway 18th Bureau Group Ltd and China Railway Construction Electrification Bureau Group, The Daily Times gathered.
