The Abia State Government has announced its plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to enhance the transport system in the state. The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday during a press conference on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia.
Kanu stated that the initiative is crucial to fill the gap expected from the government’s new policy restricting the operational hours of tricycles and motorcycles in Umuahia and Aba. Initially set for July 1, the government has moved the enforcement of this policy to August 1, in response to feedback from the people of Abia.
“As part of the initiatives and incentives to support this new policy, the Abia Government plans to introduce CNG-powered buses to mitigate the impact of the full implementation of these restrictions,” Kanu said.
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He added that tricycle and motorcycle operators interested in transitioning to CNG-powered buses can do so by forming cooperatives and operating in clusters.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that these buses are accessible so that no one is left without a means of earning income,” he emphasized.
Kanu described the introduction of CNG-powered buses as a measure to ensure that commuters can move around the state, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, when the new restrictions take effect.
He mentioned that preparations such as enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles in compliance with the restriction policy are already underway.
Regarding the uploading of credentials by Abia civil servants, Kanu reported positive progress.
“As of date, a total of 36,875 academic certificates and 25,458 career documents have been uploaded, with 7,582 certificates forwarded to various institutions for verification,” he disclosed.
He commended civil servants who have complied with the directive and urged those who have not yet done so to upload their credentials promptly “in their best interest.”
Kanu also provided updates on road construction and rehabilitation efforts in the state, noting that despite challenges posed by the rains, progress continues.
“The design work for the road stretch from Onuimo to Abia Tower is ongoing, and enumeration of structures within the right of way from Owerrinta Bridge to Umuikaa Junction is in progress,” he added.
