In light of a recently enacted law limiting the number of hours that tricycles and motorbikes may operate in Umuahia and Aba, the Abia government has announced plans to acquire buses that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Following the State Executive Council meeting, this was revealed on Monday during a news conference held at Government House in Umuahia by the state commissioner for information and culture, Mr. Okey Kanu.
Kanu stated that the new policy, which limits the operating hours of tricycles and motorbikes in Umuahia and Aba to 6 AM to 7 PM, must be filled by the scheduled introduction of CNG buses.
“The Abia Government intends to introduce CNG-powered buses to close any gaps that will be created by the full implementation of this restriction policy,” Kanu stated, citing this as one of the actions and incentives to support the new policy.
Additionally, Kanu declared that the enforcement of the regulation restricting the use of tricycles and motorbikes has been delayed from July 1 to August 1 by the Abia State Government. In response to popular requests and comments, this decision attempts to maintain longer business hours in Aba and Umuahia.
Further insight
Kanu said that by organizing cooperatives and cooperating in groups, tricycle and motorbike operators who were interested in the CNG-powered buses might obtain them.
“Using these buses will be crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind in terms of earning a living,” he stated.
To guarantee that commuters may travel throughout the state, especially in Aba and Umuahia, after the restriction orders go into force, he explained the introduction of the CNG-powered buses.
Kanu further stated that preparations have started as scheduled, including the counting and registration of all commercial vehicles per the restriction policy. He stated that these actions are necessary for the restriction policy to be formally implemented on August 1.
The backstory
The Abia State Government declared a week ago that, as of July 1, tricycles and motorbikes operating in Aba and Umuahia between 7 PM and 6 AM will be prohibited.
By reducing the number of crimes that are frequently committed by utilizing these cars late at night, this policy seeks to increase security.
The mandatory registration of all commercial vehicles is a fundamental element of the programme, as it facilitates precise identification of owners and operators by the government and security services, ultimately augmenting security and accountability.
A government committee, led by Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Advisor to the Governor on Security, has been formed to supervise the execution of this strategy.
The committee’s main responsibility is to make sure that all commercial vehicle operators in the state are adhering to the new standards.
