DEVELOPMENT
Abia State Govt Bans Illegal Street Parking of Commercial Buses in Umuahia, Moves to Ease Traffic and Strengthen Electric Bus Infrastructure
The Abia State Government has formally prohibited the illegal parking of commercial buses on city roads in Umuahia, citing growing concerns over traffic congestion and the need to restore order within the state capital.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this disclosure on Monday at the Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Prince Kanu said the government was no longer comfortable with the persistent obstruction of roads by commercial vehicles, stressing that the practice undermines traffic flow and public safety.
“The state government has observed with dismay the illegal parking of commercial buses on city roads.
“All commercial bus operators involved in this unwholesome act are advised to desist from this act as culprits will have their vehicles impounded,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner explained that the directive forms part of broader efforts by the Otti-led administration to reposition the transport sector, particularly as the state prepares for the full rollout of its electric mass transit programme.
Recalling earlier interventions, Prince Kanu noted that the State Ministry of Transport had proactively installed temporary charging stations for the electric buses before introducing free bus services for Abians. He added that the government is now scaling up infrastructure to support the programme sustainably.
According to him, the expansion plan includes the installation of additional electric bus charging stations across the state to meet increasing operational demands.
“This also follows the installation of a two MVA// 33/0.415 kV distribution substation at Umuahia Central Bus Terminal.
“With these developments, all the necessary supporting infrastructure are being put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free commencement of full bus services. The substation has reached about 80% completion rate.
“So, from all indications, all hands are on deck to ensure that at the end of the month, the project is handed over to the State Government,” Prince Kanu stated.
Contributing to the briefing, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, emphasized that indiscriminate street parking by commercial buses has remained a major cause of traffic bottlenecks within the city.
He explained that the authority had previously engaged the operators and directed them to relocate their vehicles to designated motor parks.
“We’ve spoken to them last year that they should move all these buses into the parks and then from there, they can now come to their various loading points to load passengers.
“If they move their vehicles away from there, it will create easy movement and easy traffic within the urban centre,” Mr. Agomuo stated.
The latest directive, officials say, will be strictly enforced as part of the government’s commitment to urban renewal, efficient transportation, and improved living conditi
ons for residents of Umuahia.