New Enugu Transport Management System to create 20,000 jobs, boost economy - Gov. Mbah

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Thursday said that the New Enugu Transport Management System will create not less than 20,000 jobs and boost the economy of both the state and the country.

The Governor revealed this while inaugurating the New Enugu Transport Management System, five modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa and Nsukka.

Mbah also commossioned 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of the people of the state.

Governor Mbah explained 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.

He stressed that the projects delivered are fulfilment of part of the promises he made to the people to ensure world class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard.

The projects, the State Chief Executive said 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.

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."

Informing that the state would roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the air conditioned and People with Disability friendly CNG buses, he said, “The CNG buses will 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 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.

Few weeks ago, we launched Enugu Air, plans have reached an advanced stage on putting rail services and waterways transport," he said, assuring that "all these projects have safety and dignity of our people as their priority."

In his address earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, disclosed that the terminals would entertain over 10 million commuters each year; while providing a place of comfort after long journeys or interval break from long journeys.

Each of the terminals according to him has a fully air conditioned hall and television screens, eateries, lodging accommodation, fuel station, sunscreen covered walkways, solar powered security lights/systems and surveillance cameras.

Furthermore, he said, “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."

The Chairman of Enugu North Local Government, Dr Ibekaku Onoh, expressed gratitude to the Governor for bringing "order, aesthetic touch, employment and one-stop transport comfort with two terminals built in the Holy Ghost axis of Enugu."