By Ifeanyi Ogenyi
Mbah is poised to transforming the transport sector and improving economic growth in the state through formulation of the strategic transport policies and programmes as well as embarking on deliberate infrastructure development.
These policies and programmes identify possible transport infrastructure and services required to meet the modern transport system and teh travel need of the people.
Mbah’s midas touch on transportation sector is unimaginable beginning from the launch of Enugu Air to the construction of the ultra-modern transport terminal in the major cities, the introduction of the CNG Buses Mass Scheme with smart mobility initiatives, ultra-modern bus shelters across the city, expanded road networks and centralized tolls collection(e-ticketing) as well as biometric capture of commercial vehicles operating in Enugu.
*CNG BUS MASS TRANSIT SCHEME AND THE ULTRAMODERN TRANSPORT TERMINALS*
Mbah in a pragmatic move to transform the transport sector has deployed CNG Buses on the major routes in Enugu from Holy ghost to Abakpa, Nsukka, Gariki, Emene and ESUT-Agbani. This CNG buses initiatives apart from providing comfort and safety to the users, it has also helped in reducing transport costs drastically and creating jobs. It has dignified urban mobility across the state as the users of the CNG buses travel in a well airconditioned factory fitted and free internet connected buses. The ultramodern transport terminals in key locations across the state has provided improved travel convenience and enhanced urban aesthetics. Those who have travelled in these CNG buses to Nsukka and Agbani have given eloquent testimonies of their experiences.
*BIOMETRIC CAPTURING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND E-TICKETING*
From the available data, more than 20,000 commercial vehicles have captured in a unified biometric system which has significantly helped to improving identity verification, reduce crime rates and provide for digitalization of ticketing thereby bringing to bear ticketing integration and centralized tolls collection. Touting and economic sabotage have been reduced to their barest minimum as a result of the digitalization of the tolls collection and this has led to increased GDP growth.
*ENUGU AIR*
Indisputably, the Enugu Air project has launched to the world and placed Enugu on the global map. Enugu Air which has become the identity of Ndi Enugu is also boosting trade and investment, tourism, developing Enugu aviation industry as well as fostering aviation partnerships and sets the stage for integrated multimodal transport system . The Akanu Ibiam International Airport concession initiative promises an improved infrastructure and quality aviation services which aligns with Enugu’s vision as a regional transit and tourism hub
These projects and policies are not just to easy movements and reduced time spent on the road; they’re catalysing economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping the future of Enugu as a regional transit and tourism hub. Undoubtedly, Mbah is building a connected, efficient, and prosperous future for all.