By Enyinna Omoke
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transport has commended the management of the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation (EBOTRANS) for reforms it says have improved public transportation across the state.
Chairman of the committee, Deacon Joseph Ununu, gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the corporation’s headquarters in Abakaliki, where he praised the leadership of the General Manager, Mrs. Jennifer Nnenna Igwe, for introducing measures that, according to him, have enhanced service delivery and eased transportation for commuters.
Ununu said leadership should be assessed by its impact on the lives of citizens rather than by promises, adding that the reforms initiated by the management had contributed to economic activities in the state.
According to him, the corporation has recorded significant improvements, including the procurement of new Sienna vehicles, the rehabilitation of previously grounded buses and the expansion of transport routes to destinations within and outside Ebonyi State.
He also commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what he described as the administration’s commitment to developing the transportation sector under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
The lawmaker called for closer collaboration between the House Committee on Works and Transport and the management of EBOTRANS to sustain the corporation’s growth and improve transport services across the state.
Other members of the committee also urged the management to maintain transparency and sustain the pace of reforms.
Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Izzi West, Mr.Lucas Arinze Chukwu, alongside members representing Izzi South, Chief Godwin Abiri, and Izzi East, Obinna Mbam, requested detailed reports on the corporation’s operations to aid legislative oversight.
Similarly, Hon. Barr. Aloysius Nwodo, representing Ebonyi North West, and Hon. Victor Nwoke, representing Abakaliki North, encouraged the management to sustain the ongoing reforms.
Responding, the General Manager of EBOTRANS, Mrs. Jennifer Nnenna Igwe, described the oversight visit as historic and appreciated the lawmakers for their support.
She said the corporation had recorded notable achievements since the current management assumed office, including the acquisition of new Sienna vehicles, the opening of new routes to Iboko, Ikwo, Uburu, Enugu, Ovuduechi and Lagos, the rehabilitation of non-functional vehicles, payment of gratuities to some retired staff, settlement of rents for depots and transit camps outside the state, as well as prompt maintenance and servicing of operational vehicles.
Mrs. Igwe, however, said the corporation still faces challenges, including outstanding gratuity liabilities, unpaid rents for some depots and transit camps outside the state and the absence of a modern vehicle maintenance workshop.
