Starting from Tuesday, property owners at the location where a new modern transport Interchange (bus terminal) will be constructed at Market Road in Enugu, known as Holy Ghost, will begin receiving their compensations as agreed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the lessor.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, was informed about the commencement of payment on Monday.
Governor Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State had a meeting on 19th October, 2023 with critical property owners and stakeholders regarding the proposed Enugu Central Station. He explained that this station is part of a larger infrastructure plan that includes other modern transport interchanges at Garki, Abakpa Nike, and Nsukka. The goal is to address traffic congestion, enhance safety, optimize transport efficiency, and cater to the needs of transport sector operators in the state.
Governor Mbah referenced world-class developments in places like Dubai and Singapore to emphasize the need to revamp the Holy Ghost bus terminal, which currently faces issues such as decay, traffic congestion, and crimes.
Following the meeting, the Commissioner for Transportation officially notified individual occupants with a six-month notice of the government’s intention to use the location. The Railway Property Management Company Ltd. also served notices of property recovery to the leasers in line with their lease terms.
A letter from the Railway Property Management Company Ltd. indicated that the Federal Ministry of Transportation agreed to release a portion of Railway land to the Enugu State Government for the construction of a modern transportation hub. Property owners are to receive compensation based on independent valuations of their structures on the land.
The Enugu State Government offered temporary locations and the right of first refusal to occupants. Compensation payments will be made to the affected businesses starting from Tuesday.
During a meeting with Governor Mbah, property and business owners, as well as legitimate tenants, expressed support for the project. Various stakeholders, including transport companies and financial institutions, commended the initiative.
Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, Chairman/CEO of Chisco Transport, praised Governor Mbah for prioritizing the construction of the modern terminal and pledged full support for its timely completion.
Chief Arinze Ekwenibe, Executive Director of Onitsha South Mass Transit, appreciated the government’s collaboration with the private sector in advancing transportation enterprises and creating job opportunities.
Chief George Ibekendu, Chairman of Anaocha Mass Transit, commended the compensation scheme and emphasized the project’s importance in supporting entrepreneurial growth in the region.