The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, a project aimed at creating a one-stop transport hub for commuters.
He expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the work on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the site.
Dr. Otti stated that the project is on track, citing the example of London’s Paddington Terminal, which integrates various modes of transportation and amenities.
“This is not new, it has been done elsewhere. When you go to the UK, Paddington Terminal ensures convergence of the railway, the other means of transportation and of course you have a shopping plaza, cinema, hotel, everything.
“So we thought we should concentrate all those transport terminals in this place, instead of having different terminals at different places in the town,” Otti said.
The terminal, designed to centralize transport activities, will house a bus station, railway station, and parking facilities, making it a multimodal transport hub.
Dr. Otti assured that the project will be completed soon, saying, “I’m happy with the progress of work, it’s better done right first time.”
He expressed confidence that the terminal will be a game changer for transportation in Umuahia, providing convenience and ease for commuters.
Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Isaac Ukeagbu, explained that all parks in Umuahia will be centralized at the terminal, with a similar project underway in Aba, expected to be completed by May.
“We just wanted to centralize all transport activities and that was why His Excellency in his wisdom decided to build up a central bus terminal.
To stand as a one stop transport hub for all commuters and passengers or travelers. It’s a point that 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,” Ukeagbu said.
The railway station is being relocated to the terminal, with designs almost complete, following agreements with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
We’ve had series and series of meetings with Engineer Kayode Opeifa who is the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation. They’ve given us the nod to go ahead and move the train station into the central bus terminal,” Ukeagbu revealed.
When asked about accommodation plans for late travelers, Ukaegbu said “We did not plan having a guest house there, but we have a place or a space that will accommodate people to stay. Because what we intend doing is to run a 24-hour operation here.
NewsNGR reports that the terminal promises to revolutionize transportation in Umuahia, with amenities and services expected to include shopping plazas, parking facilities, and more. When completed, it will be a state-of-the-art transport hub, setting a new standard for transportation in the region.
As the project nears completion, residents and visitors alike are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, expected to bring numerous benefits and improvements to the transportation sector.
The Governor, also inspected the ongoing construction of Ahiaeke Okwuta Road, demonstrating his commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed soon, enhancing transportation and connectivity in Umuahia.
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