By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Kaduna State Government, through its newly established transportation agency, Kaduna Bus Rapid...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government, through its newly established transportation agency, Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT), has partnered with the French Development Agency (AFD) to enhance the state’s urban transport sector.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Kaduna, the Director General of KBRT, Engineer Inuwa Ibrahim, described the project as a cornerstone of Governor Uba Sani’s urban mobility agenda. He stated that the initiative aims to modernize public transportation, decongest city roads, and improve the quality of life for residents.
In collaboration with AFD, the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) is spearheading the implementation of the KBRT project. Engineer Ibrahim emphasized AFD’s role in supporting sustainable urban development projects worldwide, noting that its financial backing is crucial to the project’s success.
Engineer Ibrahim highlighted the challenges facing Kaduna’s transport sector, including congestion, unregulated commercial transport operations, and inefficiencies affecting the movement of people and goods. Recognizing the need for a structured and sustainable urban transport system, the KBRT project was conceived to bring order, safety, and reliability to public transit. He explained that the project will introduce a 24-kilometer dedicated transit corridor from Kawo Bridge to Sabon Tasha, with well-structured bus stations and shelters strategically placed along the route. He added that KBRT represents a shift towards a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system, which will enhance mobility, stimulate economic growth, and create job opportunities for Kaduna residents.
Engineer Ibrahim commended Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and financial commitment to ensuring the project’s realization. He revealed that after years of planning and delays, the governor made decisive interventions to revive the project. In 2023, Governor Uba Sani directed the release of N97 million as counterpart funding, a crucial move that reignited the project’s implementation. Understanding the strategic importance of a well-functioning transport system, he further allocated N699 million in the 2024 budget to accelerate execution. Looking ahead, the governor has earmarked N30 billion in the 2025 budget for the project, with N5 billion set aside as counterpart funding. According to Ibrahim, this underscores the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic transformation.
Once completed, the Kaduna BRT project is expected to provide safer and more reliable public transportation, decongest the Kaduna urban center, reduce travel time for commuters, and improve road safety and environmental sustainability. Residents can expect to see significant progress, including the construction of transit corridors and the installation of necessary infrastructure.
Engineer Ibrahim stated that as the implementing agency, KADSTRA recognizes the critical role of the media in ensuring public awareness and engagement. He emphasized that media support will be instrumental in keeping residents and stakeholders informed throughout the project’s implementation. He concluded by calling on the public to support the initiative and embrace a new era of structured, modern, and efficient public transportation in Kaduna.
No comments