The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses as part of efforts to enhance the state’s transportation system.
This move comes in response to the recently implemented policy that restricts the operational hours of tricycles and motorcycles in the cities of Umuahia and Aba.
The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, during a press conference held at the Government House in Umuahia on Monday, following a State Executive Council meeting.
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Kanu explained that the introduction of CNG-powered buses is essential to bridge the transportation gap created by the new policy, which limits the operating hours of tricycles and motorcycles from 6 AM to 7 PM in Umuahia and Aba.
“As part of the initiatives and incentives to drive this new policy, the Abia Government plans to introduce CNG-powered buses to close up whatever gaps that will be created by the full implementation of this restriction policy,” he stated.
Security Concerns Prompting the Ban
The decision to ban tricycles and motorcycles during late hours stems from growing concerns over security. Tricycles and motorcycles have frequently been implicated in criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping, which often occur under the cover of darkness. By restricting their operation to daylight hours, the government aims to curb these security threats and create a safer environment for residents and businesses in Umuahia and Aba.
To ensure a smooth transition and maintain extended business hours in Aba and Umuahia, the Abia State Government has postponed the enforcement of the restriction policy from July 1 to August 1. This decision, according to Kanu, is in response to public feedback and is aimed at allowing more time for adjustment and preparation.
Kanu also mentioned that tricycle and motorcycle operators interested in the CNG-powered buses could access them by forming cooperatives and working in clusters.
“The bottom line will be to access these buses so that there will be no gaps in terms of people missing out on earning income,” he explained.
This measure ensures that commuters can move around the state, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, once the restriction orders take effect, thus mitigating any potential disruptions to income generation for operators.
Preparations and Registration
Preparations for the policy’s enforcement include the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, a process that has commenced as planned. Kanu noted that these steps are crucial for the official implementation of the restriction policy on August 1.
Backstory of the Restriction Policy
A week ago, the Abia State Government announced a ban on the operation of tricycles and motorcycles in Aba and Umuahia from 7 PM to 6 AM, effective July 1. The primary aim of this decision is to improve security by curbing criminal activities often facilitated by these vehicles during late hours.
A key component of the policy is the compulsory registration of all commercial vehicles, enabling the government and security agencies to accurately identify owners and operators, thereby enhancing security and accountability.
To oversee the implementation of this policy, a government committee has been established, chaired by Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security. The committee’s primary role is to ensure effective compliance with the new regulations by all commercial vehicle operators throughout the state.