Governor Peter Mbah (middle) cutting the tape during the inauguration of the Holy Ghost Bus Terminal
By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has said that the New Enugu State Transport Management System will create 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of the state and Nigeria in general.
Governor Mbah said this on Thursday in Enugu while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System, five modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka as well as roll out of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
He said that the projects inaugurated would spur the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of Enugu State and the country to grow to $30 billion and $1 trillion respectively within the next six years.
The projects delivered 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, according to him. He said that 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.
He said: “I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, have led to all the projects and change to a new transport system that is based on 21st century infrastructure and service for our people.
Airel view of the CNG buses in the Bus Terminal… Photo Credit: Government House Enugu Press Unit
“I will also appreciate the state’s commissioner for transport for all efforts to make these projects reality as well as the contractors and other people that ensure 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 the people think as well.”
He said that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the air conditioned and People with Disability friendly CNG buses, adding: “The CNG buses will shuttle routes leading to schools and higher institutions.”
According to him, “The CNG will ensure over 40 per cent reduction in household expenses on transport and will also convey residents along markets and major places along the schools/institutions routes.
“We are remodelling all bus stops within Enugu metropolis, building/rebuilding most roads within the metropolis and other major cities in the state, and placing a modern transport e-ticketing process that checks leakages and manipulations.
“Few weeks ago, we launched Enugu Air. Plans have reached an advanced stage on putting rail services and waterways transport, while all these projects have the safety and dignity of our people as their priority.”
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 an interval break from long journeys.
Ozor explained that each of the terminals has a fully air-conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, a 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.
A side view of the Bus Terminal
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.
Onoh said: “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.”
