In a bid to revolutionize transportation and stimulate economic growth, the Anambra State government has finalized plans to introduce a comprehensive rail transport system. This ambitious project aims to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, foster commerce, and enhance the daily commute for residents across the state.
Architect Okey Ezeobi, the Managing Director of the state Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), made the exciting announcement during a press briefing held in Awka, Anambra’s capital city. This significant development comes on the heels of the engagement of a renowned international infrastructure development firm, CPCS Transcom Limited, headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, to formulate the rail master plan.
Out of a pool of ten international organizations that vied for the opportunity to design the rail system, CPCS Transcom Limited stood out as the preferred choice. Ezeobi highlighted the attractiveness of the rail initiative to potential investors, citing the extensive bankability and feasibility studies conducted.
“The state government has already initiated payment for the master plan design, which will extend railways to the state’s boundaries,” Ezeobi announced. He emphasized that this expansion would translate into more affordable and expedient transportation of containers from the ports, significantly benefiting both businesses and residents.
Ezeobi shed light on the rigorous selection process, explaining, “We scrutinized the technical bids, financial bids, and their domestic experience before arriving at the selection of CPCS Transcom Limited.” He also noted that the firm had recognized Anambra, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, as a forward-thinking state.
In addition to this groundbreaking rail project, Ezeobi discussed the upcoming six-day capacity-building series titled ‘Theory And Practice of Public Procurement For Local Government Stakeholders.’ This initiative aims to foster transparency and accountability in public funds utilization, aligning with Governor Soludo’s vision to ensure maximum value for taxpayer money.
Ezeobi insisted on the importance of accountability and transparency in the procurement process, stating, “Procurement is a critical process that must reflect accountability and transparency.” He further assured that local council leadership would receive proper training on procurement, with plans underway to absorb local council staff into the BPP for this purpose.
With these transformative developments on the horizon, Anambra State is poised for a new era of enhanced transportation infrastructure and responsible financial management, signaling a promising future for both businesses and residents alike.
