The Oyo state government has approved the purchase of 106 new buses for the mass transit scheme in the state valued at N9.6 billion.
Also, it has approved the construction of two link roads around Akobo and junction improvement contracts in the Challenge area of Ibadan.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun; his Budget and Planning counterpart, Barrister Adeniyi Farinto; and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede.
The decisions were taken during the state’s Executive Council meeting, according to a statement signed by the Chief press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, noting that these were in line with the government’s drive to transform the transport sector and improve the state’s economy through the same.
According to the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Fakorede, the buses are necessary to boost transportation which he said is a vital factor in the economic development of the state.
“The purchase of the buses would greatly assist the development of intra-city transportation in Ibadan and other parts of the state and also boost the economic development of the state”, he said.
Further, Fakorede said the operations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme as a major means of public transportation has been accepted in some Nigerian cities over the years, stating that the Pacesetter Transit Scheme is a good example of the BRT system existing in Oyo state.
Already, he said Petrobridge Nigeria LTD has been contracted to supply 106 units of buses to complement the transportation-related activities in Oyo state and to complement the fleet at the PTS and also to improve the mass-transit system in the state which would ultimately boost the state economy.
Similarly, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun,also said the Council considered and approved the contract for the execution of the junction improvement works at Challenge Roundabout and Felele/Idi-Odo Junction to Messrs Planet Project Limited at the cost of N2,538,856,913.36.
He said the project would ensure the installation of an intelligent transportation system, which, he said, includes intelligent traffic signals, traffic signal installation, traffic signs, anti-finger metal security fence and other infrastructural systems with control room and coordination traffic signal devices.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barrister Adeniyi Farinto, has disclosed that approval was granted for the rehabilitation and construction of two link roads at Akobo area of Ibadan at the cost of N69 million.
