Gov. Lalong inaugurates 80 vehicles for NURTW to boost transportation
Inauguration
By Martha Agas
Jos, Feb 28, 2020(NAN) Gov. Simon Lalong has inaugurated 80 units of Ford Galaxy vehicles, procured by the Plateau government in partnership with the state branch of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday in Jos, Lalong said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to boost transportation in the State.
According to him, transportation is critical to the economic development of any society.
“The 80 vehicles we are commissioning is a fulfillment of the commitment I made to the officials of the NURTW, Plateau State Chapter, who during a courtesy call on me, appealed for collaboration and support towards the purchase of the buses,” he said.
He said he was optimistic that the gesture would enable NURTW members have access to transport vehicles which would not only assist their families, but also have a multiplier effect on wealth creation in the State.
He said the union had already raised 50 per cent of the amount for the vehicles while acknowledging that such Public Private Partnership would create jobs and reduce crime in the state.
“We shall therefore continue to offer support to similar ventures in our State,” he said.
Lalong said his administration was determined to complete the 28 road projects inherited from the previous governments, in addition to the 25 roads and bridges awarded by his administration.
He said the state has continued the implementation of its ‘Operation Zero Potholes’ within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and had also intervened in some Federal Roads within the State, because of their economic importance to the people.
The governor said his administration was in the process of reviving the moribund Plateau transport company (Plateau Riders), as discussions were ongoing with investors, to procure 100 buses for the company .
“We have equally acquired the Bus Terminal from Nasarawa State Government and will soon handover the facility officially to the Ministry of Transport to manage it.
” Government will soon constitute the management of the Plateau State Road Traffic Administration and Vehicle Inspection Agency, which will address the numerous problems facing the transport sector and enhance traffic management in the State,” he said.
He urged motorists, particularly the beneficiaries of the vehicles, to observe all traffic rules and imbibe safe driving culture, to avoid loss of lives and other damages.
Earlier in his remarks, the commissioner of transportation, Alh Mohammed Abubakar, urged the beneficiaries to be committed in paying back the outstanding 25 per cent within the stipulated period, to enable others benefit from the next phase of the project.
He said the ministry was working toward making transport business private sector driven, capable of generating revenue in the state.
Also, Alh Yusha’u Mohammed, the chairman of NURTW in Plateau appreciated Gov. Lalong for keeping the promise he made in 2018 to assist them in purchasing the vehicles.
He commended the governor’s efforts in fixing the roads in the state, saying the gesture would help to reduce the wear and tear of vehicles thereby making their business thrive. (NAN)
MAA/ECN/IU
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Isaac Ukpoju