RSG Plans Integrated Transport Scheme

Rivers State Government says it is desirous of laying a proper foundation for an integrated transportation scheme in the state.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gave this indication Thursday, while declaring open the second State Transport Summit in Port Harcourt, with the theme, “Transport Sector Reform, the journey so far,” organized by the State Ministry of Transport.

Governor Amaechi said apart from improving land transportation with the introduction of monorail system, water transportation would equally be given a boost as new water taxi boats equipped with air conditioners have been acquired for the purpose.

He explained that government would not invest in buying taxis and buses for commercial transportation as the scheme could be hijacked, but promised to encourage private Rivers indigenes to avail themselves of the opportunity to empower themselves.

The governor, who insisted on  providing the conducive atmosphere for smooth transportation system, said there was need for adequate regulation of transportation and review of the MOT traffic agency with a new leadership, who must be a graduate, while other workers must be trained to perform the duties effectively.

Governor Amaechi remarked that the State Transport Management Agency bill passed by the Assembly would soon be signed into law, to empower the agency to check traffic offenders, noting that one of the major problems of traffic hold ups in Port Harcourt is caused by indiscipline on the part of drivers.

He said the former MOT traffic officials began well, but soon started collecting bribes from traffic offenders. advising that the new body to be reconstituted should be polite to people while insisting on the punishment of offenders.

The wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, who delivered a paper titled, “The Emerging Role of Women in Commercial Transportation, Prospect and Challenges” said the ESI lady cabbies scheme is aimed at creating participation of female taxi drivers and generating regular income for the women.

She said the initiative of the lady cabbies scheme by her NGO has broken the barriers of male dominated profession of commercial transportation in the state.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr George Tolofari, said the second Rivers State Transport Summit is aimed at creating a platform for the Ministry to evaluate the reform in the transport sector and chart the way forward.

Mr  Tolofari said the Ministry adopted the Public Private Partnership {PPP} model and entered into joint venture with Skye Bank Plc in the building of new and modern bus shelters with lay-byes, noting that 56 bus shelters with lay-byes have been completed, and over 106 buses  plying Port Harcourt roads, adding that Rivers State Government and Skye Bank have also introduced 200 taxis into the sector to ease transportation in the city.