The company under his watch has resuscitated its filling station with accurate metres and is serving both the company and other fuel users
By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Management of Benue Links Nig. Ltd has disclosed that the company has concluded plans to construct befitting accommodation within its premises to offer emergency shelter to travelers whose journeys sometimes overstretch into the night so that they could sleep and proceed to their destination the following day as a mark of concern for the welfare and security of its teaming customers.
General Manager of the company, Alexander Fanafa who made the disclosure during an interaction with journalists at the NUJ House Makurdi, explained that architectural drawings for the project have been designed and presented to government for approval, stressing that the company has opened up discussion with partners who are willing to invest in the business.
He said on assumption of office his administration met a demoralized staff situation with a salary arrears of over 10 years with almost all non-functional vehicles, but commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for the procurement of 100 buses which boosted the fleet of the company, noting that the gesture has made Benue Links to reopen some routes that were abandoned across the state and country.
The General Manager Benue Links also revealed that his administration has purchased 10 new additional buses to ensure sustainability, adding that the company currently needs about 200 vehicles to meet the demand of its customers.
He equally disclosed that the company under his watch has cleared over 10 years salary arrears, implemented the N75,000 minimum wage, approved by government, refurbished Macopolo buses which are carrying passengers especially civil servants at the rate of N200.00 from distances that ordinarily would cost up to N1000 to reduce hardship caused by fuel increment, adding that civil servants and other low income earners are happy with the governor for the gesture.
Fanafa also told journalists that he met huge outstanding gratuities but noted that at the moment government is reducing the backlog gradually, added that presently civil servants due for retirement get their entitlements as at when due as workers are now more interested to retire.
The Benue Links Director General also informed that the company under his watch has resuscitated its filling station with accurate metres and is serving both the company and other fuel users, revived the workshop and employed competent mechanical, electrical and panel beating technicians who are serving the company and other customers, stressing that the finished products from the workshop is comparable to any standard.