Commuter operators, passengers and residents of Enugu have extolled the state government's plan to build an ultramodern bus terminal at the Holy Ghost/Ogbete main market Enugu, also known as Enugu Central Station, and three other central stations in the state, describing the initiative as unprecedented.
They expressed the views on Tuesday when the government house correspondents visited the proposed site for the Enugu Central Station located at Ogbete main market Enugu to get people's reactions on the matter.
Our government house correspondent Fred Nnaji reports that governor Peter Mbah in 2023 proposed to build four ultramodern bus terminals in the state with road networks in order to have an organised transport business environment in the state.
Consequently, the government has commenced the payment of compensation to property owners around the market road, and has also provided temporary locations for them pending when the project is completed within the next 12 months.
Reacting to the development, some transport company managers, Mrs Ngozi Nnamani, Mr Abani Egbo and Mr Ndubuisi Ogbonna while urging the government to hasten up the project in order to complete it within the stipulated time of one year to enable them return to continue their businesses, acknowledged that every development always comes with its negative effects, but serves the people better at the end.
commending the governor for bringing the needed change and development evidenced in every sector of the state economy, the transporters confirmed that they have started receiving the approved compensations from the government for their properties.
An Enugu resident, Mrs Favour Okorocha described the project as a lofty initiative that will go along way in decongesting the axis as well as ridding the area of insecurity and promoting a business friendly environment.
Earlier, the state commissioner for transport, Dr Obi Ozor who said the facility consists of dual terminals, inter-state and intra-city, noted that each of the terminals will accommodate 1400 vehicles with different routes to different locations such as Garriki, Abakpa, Emene, Nsukka among others.
Dr Ozor further said the government is concurrently laying the foundation for the three other central stations namely Nsukka, Garriki, Abakpa in the phase one of the project, while that of 9th mile and other critical areas follow in the second phase.
Recall that the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah had on October 19, 2023, said the proposed Central Stations was part of the infrastructure development plan aimed at curtailing the perennial traffic congestion, enhance safety, preserve road assets, optimise transport efficiency, and address various needs of transport sector operators in the state.
The governor while Citing similar world-class developments in other parts of the world like Dubai, and Singapore, said there was no reason Holy Ghost bus terminal could be allowed to continue in its present condition with perennial traffic congestion, and high-level crimes.
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