In a move to enhance intra-city transport in Yenagoa and neighboring areas, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State distributed 106 vehicles as palliatives on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to bolster transportation services and address mobility challenges in the region.
Governor Douye Diri speaking at the inauguration of subsidy Palliative vehicles in Yenogoa
The governor, at the launch of the scheme at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Onopa, Yenagoa, directed the operator of the scheme, the Bayelsa State Transport Company (BTC), to consider the current realities in the country before fixing their rates on the different routes.
Governor Diri, however, separated the state government from paying the salaries of the drivers. According to him, “those interested in driving the vehicles should have it in mind that it is the BTC that will negotiate that with them and not the government.”
Palliative cars for mass transit in Bayelsa
Diri, assuring that he is working to ensure that everyone experiences prosperity, cautioned the BTC coordinating the scheme not to politicise the process of employing drivers to man the vehicles.
The Commissioner for Transport, Grace Ekiotenne, had earlier revealed how the scheme will be sustained to forestall past experiences of failed transportation schemes of previous administrations.
Ekiotenne stated that though the vehicles are property of the state government, the BTC will be in charge of the management as well as the responsibility of training the drivers and other liabilities.
The Commissioner said that the BTC will be remitting an estimated average monthly income of N35 million.
The keys to the vehicles were, thereafter, handed over to the General Manager of BTC, Imomotimi Fanama.
Apparently, the governor has created, at least, 106 new jobs in the state for drivers.
