Delta Exco Approves 50 CNG Buses, Electric Vehicles, Mega Bus Terminal In Asaba ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

In a major push to modernise public transportation in Delta State, the State Executive Council has approved the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, the acquisition of electric vehicles and the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba, the state capital.

The approvals were among key decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, said the decisions were informed by a comprehensive transportation study conducted across major cities and towns in the state, including Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka and Oleh.

According to him, the study revealed significant daily movement across the state, with about 80 per cent of commuters relying on public transportation, while only 20 per cent depend on private vehicles.

Agofure said the findings underscored the need for the state government to strengthen the public transport system to meet the needs of the majority of residents.

He noted that Governor Oborevwori recognised transportation as a critical sector that drives economic and social activities, stressing that the efficient movement of people and goods was essential to commerce, education and access to workplaces.

“The governor is aware that transportation is central to economic development. People depend on transportation to go to markets, schools, offices and other places. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how restrictions on movement could shut down economies across the world,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the newly approved 50 CNG buses would form the backbone of the state’s MORE Mass Transit Scheme, aimed at providing safe, affordable and efficient transportation for residents.

He added that the approval for the acquisition of electric vehicles reflected the administration’s commitment to embracing modern and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

Agofure further disclosed that EXCO approved the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba to serve as a major operational hub for the state’s mass transit system.

He said the terminal would help eliminate the proliferation of roadside and informal motor parks around the popular Koka Junction axis, thereby improving traffic management, enhancing safety and boosting the aesthetics of the state capital.

According to him, land for the project had already been acquired, while necessary processes were underway for the commencement of construction.

He explained that, when completed, existing informal motor parks, including those operated by private transport operators, would be relocated to the new facility.

The commissioner also disclosed that a similar bus terminal would be developed in Warri, noting that the Federal Government had already approved the project following the intervention of Governor Oborevwori.

Agofure said the initiatives were part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader commitment to modernising Delta State’s transportation infrastructure and delivering a safer, more efficient, affordable and integrated public transport system for residents.