By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
In a bid to deliver dividends of democracy to all parts of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and to enhance its economic development, the Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Grema Terab in responding to complaints about the complete absence of transportation system in Banki Town since the restoration of peace and livelihood activities to the once bubbling border town, has intervened.
The chairman in his remarks while launching the mass local transport scheme on Monday, said that once visitors arrive Banki Motor Park at the outskirts and entrance of the town, they would be forced to continue the rest of their journey into town on foot, or bicycles, except they are lucky and get lift.
Similarly, he.said there existed no means of transporting and moving goods or luggages from the motor park to the town and other places around, except carts (amalanke).
The LGC Chairman further explained that, in line with the Sustainable Rural Development Agenda (SRDA) of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Bama Local Government Council initiated a transport scheme for Banki Town, with the provision of 10 Keke NAPEPs and 10 Jega tricycle pick-up vans to ease movement of both people and goods within the town.
According to him, the vehicles were distributed to transport unions and various clubs and associations on subsidized hire purchase basis in order to empower the beneficiaries, lessen the transportation burden and ensure periodic rollover of the programme.
Grema Terab narrated that once the beneficiaries finish paying 50% of the cost of the vehicles, they will be granted full ownership as an empowerment gesture while the local government council will continue to provide new sets of vehicles to other beneficiaries on routine.basis.
He however, warned that no vehicle is allowed to be taken out of Banki Town for any reason at any time, even after securing full ownership of the property.
The 152 Commanding Officer Banki Unit appreciated the chairman and stressed that they are hopeful that with this modest effort, movement will be much easier and economic activities will be improved in the border town.
