MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION
The following are the major achievements recorded by the ministry of Transport since the present administration came into being:-
1 Enforcement by Government of the state colors of yellow upon fire red on some categories of commercial vehicles-especially those used as taxis for intra-city transport. Realizing the need to have a uniform color combination for all vehicles used as taxis for both intra and inter-city movements, governments mobilized enforcement agencies to achieve appreciable success. This was done after a long period of sensitization and enlightenment.
2. Solar energy powered traffic lights: Although the pilot solar lights project was started by the previous administration, the final inspection was done by the present administration and the ministry of Transport handled the project. The success of the project has led government into approving the installation of 16 new ones in some already selected road junctions.
3. Traffic decongestion of Ring Road, Benin City: Prior to this time, the Ring Road which was designed to be a masterpiece of historical, cultural and social attraction, had been reduced to insignificance, by the chaotic traffic situation, and the presence of miscreants. But today, the story is different-thanks to Governor Oshiomhole led administration. We now have a clean and decongested Ring Road. The present initiative will be sustained. If one may suggest one of the ways of sustaining it is to set up a Ring Road Monitoring Task Force that is effective 24hours a day.
4. Improvement on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Internally Generated Revenue has received a commendable boost since the present administration came on board. Without quoting figures here, this boost is reflected in the transport ministry’s monthly contribution to IGR. I strongly believe that a similar boost is being experienced in other ministries of Edo State.
5. Successful sensitization of Edo State segment of the lower Niger communities towards the dredging of the Lower Niger: Recently, the Edo State Government recorded a huge success in sensitizing the lower Niger communities in her domain-principally, Agenebode and Ilushi both of which form the nuclei of these communities. This success has won Edo State a Federal Government sponsored inland port which will be sited at Agenebode. Thanks to Mr. Governor for this wonderful feat.
6. Improved Driving Culture: With the present Administration’s readiness to set up and monitor driving schools working in harmony with privately owned ones, driving culture is expected to improve substantially. Meanwhile, liaison activities between the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Ministry of Transport in the area of safe driving culture, and the documentation and monitoring of standard driving schools are in progress. The goal is that, henceforth no would-be driver will be issued a driver license without having gone through an approved driving school successfully.
7. Removal of Obstructions from the roads: Huge success has also been made in the removal of obstructions from the municipal roads. The ministry of transport is in dire need of more towing vans to assist her in this challenge. We however, appreciate the effort of the present administration in its readiness to purchase 2 towing vans within the last quarter of this year.
8. Provision of Two Fire Trucks: In a swift move to improve the combat readiness of the Edo State Fire Service in both fire fighting and prevention, Government has recently purchased 2 Fire Engines. These trucks/engines are currently undergoing delivery process, and will soon be handed over to the Ministry of Transport-the parent ministry of Edo State Fire Service. Over the next few months however, more of such would be needed to service the out stations, which are located in the Local Government Headquarters of Edo State.
Engineer J.O. Onaghise
Ag. Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Transport,
Benin City |
