Traffic logjam in Karu axis, on the fringe of the FCT has been a major source of worry for Nasarawa State until the arrival of Engr Abdullahi A. Sule as Governor.
Engr A.A. Sule deployed a practical solution to the teething problem of traffic gridlock and the indiscriminate spread of over 37 motor parks around Karu, by constructing a mega bus terminal that will collapse all the other 37 parks into 1!
Engr Sule awarded the contract for construction of the Karu Mega Bus terminals for N2.2 billion. This was done simultaneously with the contract of a similar Bus Terminal in Lafia at a sum of N1.6 billion.
After over a year of sustained work, both the Lafia and Karu bus terminals were commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on 23rd and 24th February respectively.
The Government of Engr. Abdullahi Sule spent over 3.8 billion Naira to ensure that better transportation infrastructure is given to the good people of Nasarawa State in view of the administration’s mantra of “Exceeding All Expectations”; by not just completing other projects started by preceding government but by embarking and completion of people-oriented projects that will have direct impact on the economy of the State. The Bus Terminal projects, especially that of Karu is said to be the biggest in the country with a capacity of more than 900 vehicles while that of Lafia is 350 vehicle capacity and adequate security architecture in both parks. They also contain public toilets, driver lounges, security gadgets all over and workshops for vehicle maintenance. The facilities for better and efficient management have been handed over to Diamond Stripes Company at a concession to the tune of 3.3 billion.
BENEFITS
- The twin projects have decongested the State capital (Lafia) and Karu of indiscriminate motor parks.
- Karu Mega Bus Terminal project ends the perennial traffic congestion on Abuja-Keffi road which had in previous time affected the Muhammadu International Market in Karu negatively.
- Karu Bus Terminal has enhanced security for both passengers and residents of the State.
- Improved on the revenue base of the State, and provided job opportunities to the teeming youths.
- The parks immortalize two people, Gen. Sani Abacha who created Nasarawa State and Yahaya Sabo had contributed to Nasarawa State immensely. This shows that the government is driven by a moral philosophy to appreciate the sociopolitical and economic contributions of individuals in the State.
Expanding frontiers
- Nasarawa State Government holistic venture into the transport sector.
- The signing of the agreement that birthed the new special purpose vehicle, the Nasarawa Logistics, and Transport Company.
- Plans to also extend similar facilities across each of the three senatorial districts in the state.
