Stanley Nwanosike

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Thursday rolled out 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses saying that the new transport system will create no fewer than 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of the state and country.

Mbah revealed this 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 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.

According to him, the projects delivered are part of the promise he made to the people to ensure world class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard.

The governor said that the projects would provide the people with cheaper, accessible and seamless movement as other infrastructure meant to support the projects and the new system are already in place.

“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.

“I will also appreciate the state’s commissioner for transport for all 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 the people think as well,” he said.

He noted that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the air conditioned and People with Disability friendly CNG buses.

The governor said that the CNG buses would shuttle routes leading to schools and higher institutions.

“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, built and rebuilt most roads within the metropolis and other major cities in the state.

“We also placed 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 safety and dignity of our people as their priority,” he said.

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 Ibenaku Onoh, thanked the governor for bringing order, aesthetics, 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu