Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses, the acquisition of electric vehicles and the construction of a mega bus terminal in Asaba to improve public transportation in the state.
The approvals were part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor.
Briefing journalists after the meeting on Friday in Asaba, the state Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, said the projects followed a transportation study carried out across major cities in the state.
He said the survey covered Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka and Oleh.
According to Agofure, the study showed that more than 19,000 people move around the state daily, with about 80 per cent depending on public transport, while only 20 per cent use private vehicles.
He said the findings highlighted the need for the government to improve the state’s transport system to meet the needs of residents.
“The governor recognises transportation as a major driver of economic and social activities. People rely on transport to get to markets, schools, offices and other places.
“The COVID-19 pandemic also showed how restrictions on movement could shut down economic activities,” he said.
Agofure said the 50 CNG buses would serve as the foundation of the state’s MORE Mass Transit Scheme, which is designed to provide safe, affordable and efficient transportation.
He added that the approval of electric vehicles demonstrated the administration’s commitment to introducing environmentally friendly transport solutions.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government had approved the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba.
According to him, the terminal will serve as the operational centre of the state’s mass transit system and help eliminate the numerous roadside and informal motor parks around Koka Junction.
He said the project would improve traffic flow and enhance the appearance of the state capital.
Agofure said land had already been acquired for the project and that construction would begin after the completion of necessary processes.
He added that all existing roadside and private motor parks in the area would be relocated to the new terminal when completed.
The commissioner further disclosed that a similar bus terminal would also be built in Warri.
He said the Federal Government had approved the Warri project following the intervention of Governor Oborevwori.
Agofure said the projects formed part of the Oborevwori administration’s efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure and provide a more efficient public transport system across Delta state.
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