By Osemudiamhen Gloria
The Management of the Edo State Transport Authority (EDSTA), under the auspices of the Edo State Government, has presented an interim report on the State’s Comprehensive Transport Master Plan (CTMP) at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in Benin City.
In a welcome address, the Managing Director of EDSTA, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, appreciated stakeholders and emphasised the importance of the engagement to include seeking inputs and collaboration from internal stakeholders in developing CTMP for the State.
Mrs. Agbonlahor described the transport sector in Edo State to have been faced with many challenges including dominance of the informal sector, lack of data for effective planning, weak regulatory, institutional and legal framework, huge transport infrastructure deficit, non-availability of transport policy and transport master plan for the State, amongst others.
The ESTA Boss highlighted the transport sector’s vital role to include the State’s socio-economic development, and to create a seamless, integrated transportation network promoting multi-modal transportation options.
She noted: “An efficient transportation system does not only enhance connectivity of goods, people and services, but fosters economic growth and improves quality of life for the people.”
“One of the core deliverables of CTMP is to create a seamless, integrated transportation network that connects people and places efficiently and effectively by promoting multi-modal transportation options that encourage the use of public transport, walking, cycling and other sustainable modes of travel.”
She highlighted how the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has been instrumental in developing strategic plans that cater for the future of the State in terms of sustainable transport system and added that the CTMP is a part of the Edo State Regional Development Plan and the Benin City Master Plan that will guide the State’s development over the next 30 years.
Mrs. Agbonlahor stressed that the CTMP encompasses planning, implementation and coordination of all transport plans in the State, which will address challenges such as informal sector dominance, lack of data for effective planning, weak regulatory frameworks, infrastructure deficits, non-availability of transport policy and master plan.
She concluded that the CTMP will form the basis for identifying, costing, and programming transport investments, projects, measures, initiatives, and reforms needed to develop an efficient, effective, and sustainable transport system in the State by 2040.
In her submission, the Edo State Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs. Uyi Oduwa Malaka, appreciated the CTMP as a prerequisite for tourism development and that a deliberate transport master plan is crucial for tourism growth.
Mr. Shola Adegboju from Planet Projects Limited, outlined the CTMP’s objectives, its operating system, and gave recommendations on roads and highways, public transport (bus and rail), water transport, freight, traffic management and airport development. He added that the recommended improvements by 2040 include expanding and modernizing road networks, dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways, robust public transport systems (BRT and rail), enhanced freight transport capabilities, amongst others.
Other stakeholders at the event included the Managing Director, ECTS, Mrs. Hauwa Dupe Ohikhuare, representatives from the Edo State Traffic Management Agency, EDSTMA, media personnel amongst others.
