Obaseki: Edo to Purchase New CNG Buses to Boost Free Transport Scheme

•Commiserates with families of victims of Koko Junction tanker explosion

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed the state government has placed orders for new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-buses to boost its fleet for the state’s free transport scheme.

The governor, who disclosed this in his Independence Day speech, noted that his administration was, “taking critical steps within the limits of the resources available to us as a state by initiating and implementing policies and programmes to respond to the recent fuel subsidy removal policy by the federal government.”

According to him, “We have introduced free transport service for passengers on all routes operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), among many support programmes that the Edo State government has put in place to reduce the challenge, sufferings and exorbitant cost of living faced by Edo people.

“We are glad with the salutary impact of this initiative which covers 13 intra-city routes and several intercity city routes daily, covering towns and villages within the State’s three senatorial districts.

“Over three hundred thousand residents have benefited from the scheme in the first two weeks of the palliative programme, while we expect over 1,500,000 residents are projected to benefit in the initial two months of the free transport initiative. We have placed new orders for additional CNG-run buses to increase the fleet.”

On other measures being adopted to ameliorate the effect of the hardship caused by high transport fares, he said: “We also launched a 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other public places in the State to provide unlimited internet access to workers and other residents to enable them work effectively and efficiently from selected public spaces.”

Meanwhile, Obaseki, has commiserated with the families of the victims of the petrol tanker explosion at Koko Junction, in Delta State.

In a statement in Benin City, yesterday, the governor expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, noting that the loss of lives was regrettable.

He said, “We are saddened by the news of the petrol tanker explosion in Koko Junction, Delta State.

“We commiserate with the government and people of Delta State over the tragic incident. We sympathise with the families of the victims.”

Obaseki urged, “Nigerians to desist from attempting to scoop petrol whenever there is an accident involving tankers. It is pertinent to consider safety first and report to appropriate authorities in such instances.”