From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Enugu State governor, Mr Peter Mbah said the new transport management system will create no fewer than 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of the state and country.
Mbah revealed this yesterday in Enugu while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System, five modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka, as well as the roll out of 100 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses.
He said the projects would spur the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of Enugu State and the country to grow to $30 billion and $1 trillion respectively within the next six years.
According to him, the projects are part of the promise we made to the people to ensure world class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy, but dignify their living standard.
The governor said the projects would provide the people with cheaper, accessible and seamless movement, as other infrastructure meant to support the projects and new system are already in place.
“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, led to all the projects and change to a new transport system that is based on 21st century infrastructure and service for our people.
“I will also appreciate the commissioner for transport for the efforts to make these projects a reality, as well as the contractors and other people that ensured their timely delivery.
“It is a reality that transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and measure of the people’s progress; thus, touching every aspect of human life and the way people think as well,” he said.
He noted that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support People with Disability friendly CNG buses, adding that: “The CNG buses will shuttle routes leading to schools and higher institutions.
“CNG will ensure over 40 percent reduction in household expenses on transport and will also convey residents to markets and major places along schools/institutions routes.
“We are remodeling all bus stops within Enugu metropolis, built/rebuilt most roads within the metropolis and other major cities in the state and placed a modern transport e-ticketing process that checks leakages and manipulations,” the governor added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, said that the terminals inaugurated would entertain over 10 million commuters each year; while providing a place of comfort after long journeys or interval break from long journeys.
Ozor explained that each of the terminals have a fully air conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, fuel station, sunscreen covered walkways, solar powered security lights/systems and surveillance cameras.
“These projects are a clear vision of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, to make Enugu State a model and point of reference in any modern infrastructure. We thank your excellency for insisting on quality and taste,” he said.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr Ibekaku Onoh, thanked the governor for bringing order, aesthetic touch, employment and one-stop transport comfort with two terminals built in the Holy Ghost axis of Enugu.
“We quite appreciate all developmental efforts, which included: terminals, smart schools, smart type-2 primary healthcare centres, surveillance cameras and provision of security among others,” Onoh said.
