The mass transit drive of the Akwa Ibom State government has gained momentum with the arrival of 10 more Compressed Natural Gas CNG, buses in Uyo.
The proactive measure by the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, aim to cut transport costs and transform public transportation in the state.
The latest delivery of 10 CNG, which arrived on Monday, brings to 40 the number of CNG buses delivered to the state out of the 50 buses promised by the governor.
Receiving the buses in Uyo, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Anthony Luke, commended Eno for prioritising the transportation needs of residents and for his commitment to repositioning the sector.
Luke said the initiative was placing Akwa Ibom on the global transport map, noting that the administration was not only acquiring buses but also developing the infrastructure required to support an effective mass transit system.
He disclosed that work was progressing at the CNG terminal and assured that the facility would be completed within the expected timeframe to support the smooth operation of the buses.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, described the arrival of the buses as another milestone in Eno’s administration.
Ndueso recalled the governor’s promise to procuring 50 buses to strengthen public transportation in the state, saying the arrival of the latest batch demonstrates that the administration is steadily delivering on its promise.
His words: “This is another milestone by the governor of Akwa Ibom State. He promised that 50 buses will be procured to boost transportation, and today, we have seen 40 of those buses arrive.”
He linked the new transport initiative to the state’s expanding road network, noting that the quality of roads being delivered across Akwa Ibom would provide the infrastructure needed for the buses to operate efficiently across communities.
“Beyond these buses, if you go round Akwa Ibom State, you will see a good network of roads that will ensure that these buses have a smooth movement across the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State.
“Indeed, good times are here in Akwa Ibom as far as the transport sector is concerned, and we must give kudos to the performing governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.
On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Mr. Aniefiok George, said the arrival of the buses had generated excitement among residents, particularly because of its expected impact on transportation costs.
According to him, “Akwa people are happy because they know that this will bring succour and reduce the cost of transportation.”
