By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Wednesday, January 7, inspected the ongoing construction of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal by his administration.

Speaking to newsmen during the inspection, Governor Otti explained the reason behind his decision to embark on the mega project, saying that it is better to centralise transport terminals, instead of having them scattered.

He equally said that such terminals are not actually new but exist in other parts of the World.

“It is nothing new; it has been done elsewhere. When you go to the UK, Paddington Terminal ensures convergence of the railway and other means of transportation.

“And of course you have shopping plaza, cinema, hotel, everything is there.

“So, we thought we should concentrate all those transport terminals in this place instead of having different terminals at different places in the town”, Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti appreciated the quality and level of progress of the work done so far and expressed the hope that, by the end of January, the project, if not completed, would be close to completion.

“The work is going on very well. And the consultants are very, very up to the task. I’m happy with the progress of work. I’m glad with the level of progress and with the quality of work.

“Hopefully, before the end of this month, they would have gone far. But, what I see here gives me an impression that by the end of the month, if they haven’t completed, they would be very close to completing it.

“But, even if they need more time, I’ll give them more time because it’s better done right the first time. But, so far so good,” Gov. Otti stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said that the essence of building the bus terminal is to centralize all parks in Umuahia.

“We just wanted to centralise all transport activities, and that was why His Excellency, in his wisdom decided to build a central bus terminal to stand as a one-stop transport hub for all commuters, passengers, and travellers.

“Whatever mode of transport you want to use to travel, once you come into the central bus terminal, you’ll be able to get it.

“We planned siting the railway station there. Then, you have the bus station and all the parks.

“All the parks in Umuahia will be brought in here. We are going to have a centralised park system in Umuahia and Aba.

“You know, we are also building the same in Aba, which will be completed hopefully by May”, Dr Ukaegbu stated.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Otti’s Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

Otti also inspected the ongoing road project works around Cooperatives, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, among others. At Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, Craneburg representative, Engineer Yousef Tawk received Governor Otti and explained the details of the work done so far as the Governor engaged him meaningfully, with both of them agreeing on what should be done to ensure long-lasting solution to a part of the road that has a valley by the side. Gov. Otti urged the contractor to target completing the road project before the rainy season sets in.

The Governor equally used the opportunity to interact with passengers and members of the crew of the Abia Electric Buses, which have been offering free service to Abians and visitors since it was launched last December, to ensure that things are working well as he directed during the launch.

Otti was joined on the inspections by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, among others.