The novel coronavirus disease, Covid-19, has taken its toll on the economy of China and the ravaging effect has extended itself to Nigeria, particularly with regards to the Lagos-Ibadan double gauge rail line, one of the major projects being executed by Chinese contractors in Nigeria.
Rotimi Amaechi, Minister for Transportation, had announced that the Lagos-Ibadan railway project was estimated for completion by June 2020, however, the reality of the announcement may be impeded by the effect of Coronavirus.
The Federal Government had taken a $1.5bn loan from China EXIM, and part of the condition precedent for the loan was to ensure that a Chinese firm executes the project. The project was then awarded to China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), who contrary to what the minister asked, has been acquiring most of the equipment and other supplies needed for the project from China.
According to information gathered by Daily Trust correspondent, some of the Chinese staff on the project are stranded in China over the travel restrictions placed as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus.
It was also gathered that the project has stalled as facilities and supplies of crucial materials needed for the project which are due for shipment have been held up in china.
The source who spoke with Daily Trust said;
“The work on the project site has slowed. Some of the staff are not back and some critical facilities haven’t been shipped for the work to go on as quickly as possible,” he said.
The source also hinted that CCECC may be taking advantage of the outbreak to deliberately stall on the timely delivery of the project.
Mr Vincent Liu, General Manager Corporate Culture, CCECC, speaking on the issue verified that some of its workers “have delayed or rather postponed their return for safety reasons.”
He, however, stated that “this has minimal impact on the project. We have been working round the clock to deliver the project based on the mandate of the Minister of Transportation.”
“Many of our workers could not even travel to celebrate the Lunar new year, most of the specialist manpower needed are on ground, and we are working according to schedule.”
Regarding the equipment shipment, Liu said’
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“Quarantine efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus are in place along shipping lines. Global supply chain is suffering as a result of concerns for seafarers, cargoes and passengers, and quarantining of ships.
“This has implication for every business all over the world, not just CCECC. As a result, some equipment meant for the project may be delayed in arriving Nigeria”.
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