Scavengers make brisk business
Enugu State government has commenced demolition of structures at the proposed site of its Central Station. The Guardian learnt that the Central Station is a dual terminal that will focus on inter-state transportation for Terminal 1, and intra-city transportation for Terminal 2.
The administration of Governor Peter Mbah had successfully relocated occupants of the property, including various businesses and banks, after compensations were paid to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).The landowners, in turn, compensated the occupants, to give way for the modern transport interchange and bus station.
Aside from the Holy Ghost Terminal where the demolition began, the government said the bus station would be replicated in three other locations in the state namely: Gariki, Abakpa, 9th Mile, and Nsukka
Meanwhile, scavengers have thronged the site, happily making brisk sales of metallic and plastics items recovered from the debris of the demolished buildings as bulldozers went to work. They were seen wrangling over rods, roofing sheets, wood, old file cabinets and others. When The Guardian visited the scene on Saturday, they were seen in their hundreds. They also fought each other freely.
Speaking with newsmen at the scene, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, said the project would be delivered in 12 months once it started. He said the government had already relocated occupants of the place and paid compensations that enabled it to commence demolitions.
According to him, the essence of the terminals was to give the state a face-lift, create employment opportunities, and reduce crime.
“The land here is owned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation and leased to 29 key legal tenants to the NRC on an average of 10 to 25 years leases. Enugu State government has reached an agreement with the NRC and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to lease this place for the construction of the proposed terminal. The government has paid compensation to all legal occupants except a few others who are yet to send their details to the government,” he said.
Disclosing that the project, which will be driven by the private sector for sustainability, would be completed in about 12 months, the commissioner said the government started the journey in September, 2023 by engaging all the stakeholders.
“Then, notices were given on October 13, 2023. And seven months after, the government has come in to clear the place for commencement of the terminal. We hope that the work will commence this month. We have a total of four terminals one each in Enugu, Abakpa, Gariki and Nsukka while the phase two will involve places like 9th Mile,” he added.
Also speaking, a former council chairman, Chukwudi Ezinwa, said it was only a government that was focused and convinced about its programmes that could undertake the project. He said completion of the project by Governor Mbah would not only end insecurity in the area but also streamline revenue from the sector. Ezinwa urged people of the state to support government to ensure realisation of the project in good time.
