REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
The first 20 Abia Green Shuttle Electric Buses unveiled in Abia state have commenced free charge operations to improve the movement of commuters to various parts of the state.
Unveiling the electric buses at the premises of the International Conference Centre Umuahia, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, applauded the State Government for the initiative to help tackling pollution and climate change.
Dr. Iweala who lamented that climate change and environmental pollution have remained among the world’s most worrisome challenges described the initiative as a bold and forward-looking step of tackling the trend.
According to her, although Africa contributes only about three per cent of global carbon emissions, the continent must still play its part in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The WTO DG said Abia’s decision to deploy electric buses demonstrated leadership and commitment to global climate responsibility.
In his remarks Governor Alex Otti of the state described the initiative as a bold step towards the future and a deliberate move to align the State with global climate and sustainability goals.
Governor Otti explained that the project, which began as a plan to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses, was deliberately upgraded to Electric vehicles in line with the world’s transition towards net-zero emissions.
The Governor disclosed that the procurement process encountered challenges, including the need to redesign the buses to make them compliant with the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Governor Otti further revealed that the project was nearly stalled due to delays in the delivery of charging infrastructure after the vessel conveying them suffered a mid-sea accident, but said the State successfully improvised.
The Governor who warned that misconduct would be tracked through onboard surveillance cameras, also announced plans to install public charging stations across Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, described the launch as a historic milestone in the State’s transport evolution and noted that the electric bus programme would deliver long-term economic benefits including job creation , skills development among other social gains.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Ministry of Transport would continue to expand the initiative and work closely with Transport Union’s and other Stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
Correspondent Peace Agbo reports that the buses will offer free rides these festive periods to commuters this festive periods who will ply major routes in the State including Umuahia, Aba, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Ukwa LGAs.
