Governor Alex Otti of Abia has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, describing the project as a transformative step towards modern urban mobility.
Otti made this known on Wednesday, during an interview with newsmen after inspecting the project in Umuahia.
The governor said that the project was inspired by global best practices, citing the Paddington Terminal in the United Kingdom, where rail, road transport and commercial services converge at a single location.
He explained that the project was designed to consolidate transport terminals in one place, instead of operating multiple facilities across the city, to improve efficiency, coordination and commuter experience.
He noted that construction work was progressing steadily, adding that the consultants handling the project had demonstrated strong technical competence and commitment to quality delivery.
Otti said that the visible progress suggested the project would be near completion by the end of the month even if not fully delivered.
He stressed that quality would not be sacrificed for speed, assuring the residents that contractors would be allowed additional time if necessary to ensure the project was executed properly.
Otti said that he was pleased with both the standard of work and the momentum on site, describing the development as encouraging.
He urged residents to be patient, expressing confidence that the finished project would meet public expectations and redefine transport infrastructure in the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said that the bus terminal was conceived as a one-stop, multimodal transport hub for commuters and travellers.
Ukaegbu said that the facility would integrate a railway station, bus terminal and multiple transport parks.
He noted that all existing motor parks in Umuahia would be relocated to the central hub.
Ukaegbu said that the project would introduce a centralised parking system in Umuahia.
He also said that a similar transport terminal was under construction in Aba and was expected to be completed by May.
He confirmed that both inter-city and intra-city transport services would operate from the terminal as a multimodal transport parking system.
The commissioner also confirmed plans to relocate the railway station closer to the central bus terminal, saying the state government had secured approval from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
He said that discussions had been held with the NRC Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, and that the design for the railway component was almost completed.
Ukaegbu said that in the project design provisions had been made for waiting areas, as the terminal was designed to operate on a 24-hour basis.
He expressed optimism that the project would significantly enhance transport efficiency and improve the overall travel experience in the state.(NAN)