By Ayomide Otitoju
The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken delivery of 10 additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, bringing the total number delivered under Governor Umo Eno’s mass transit programme to 40.
The latest batch arrived in Uyo on Monday, August 10, taking the state to 80 per cent of its target of 50 buses. The remaining 10 buses are expected to arrive soon.
The mass transit programme is aimed at providing residents with a more affordable and efficient public transportation system amid rising transport costs affecting households, workers and businesses.
Receiving the buses, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Anthony Luke, said the delivery demonstrated Governor Eno’s commitment to addressing the transportation needs of residents.
He said the government was complementing the acquisition of the buses with supporting infrastructure, adding that work on the CNG terminal was progressing and remained on schedule for completion.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, described the delivery as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its transportation pledge.
“The Governor promised that 50 buses would be procured to boost transportation, and today, we have seen 40 of those buses arrive,” Ndueso said.
He added that the mass transit programme would also benefit from the expansion of the state’s road network, noting that ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects would improve movement between communities.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Aniefiok George, said the programme had generated interest among residents because of its potential to reduce transportation costs.
“Akwa Ibom people are happy because they know that this will bring relief and reduce the cost of transportation,” George said.
With 40 of the targeted 50 buses delivered and work progressing on the CNG terminal, the state government is moving closer to rolling out the mass transit system aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity across Akwa Ibom State.
