Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has launched the first phase of the Abia Urban Renewal and Public Transport Project in Aba.
The project, overseen by Mazi Clement Owunna, includes, the construction of a Central Bus Terminal, establishment of bus shelters and laybys along main intra-city routes and improvements at major road intersections.
Governor Otti inaugurated the project at the Aba Mega Mall on Tuesday, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and services. He pledged ongoing investments in urban development and restoration.
“The flag off of this project underscores our commitment to setting high standards in social service delivery as we seek to deliver to our people an end to end transport system that structurally mirrors what you find in the more developed cities of the world.
“In addition to changing the face of the public transport system, it shall create room for the introduction of energy efficient vehicles, job creation for our youths and make the cities more livable.
“It is a more efficient, secured and reliable transportation system along the major city intra routes. This new system would also guarantee that our streets are cleaner and that our vehicles can park safely on the laybys along the roads without obstructing the smooth flow of traffic.
“The completion of the Urban Renewal Public Transport Project will also mean the end of some old habits that had behind popular traditions in the present system. There’ll be no role for touts and the old culture of spending more time to fill vehicles with passengers will be gone for good,” Otti stated
The Governor announced that the state government will finance associated transport infrastructure development and collaborate with private sector partners for vehicle acquisition, operation, and maintenance. He expressed confidence in the contractors’ expertise to complete the project on schedule.
Earlier, Engr. Biodun Otunola, CEO of Planet Projects Limited (the project contractor), acknowledged the current challenges with Aba’s 70 dispersed motor parks. He assured that upon completion, the project will bring much-needed order and advancement to the city’s transportation system.
He mentioned that the terminal will feature world-class facilities, including CCTV, fuel dumps, traffic management systems, and more.