Residents and civil servants living in Agbama Housing Estate in Umuahia South Local Government Area have expressed serious concern about the rising cost of transportation. They say the situation is becoming harder every day, especially for workers who depend on public transport to go to work.
Many civil servants who travel daily from Agbama to different parts of the city explained that transport fares have continued to increase. This has made it difficult for them to manage their monthly salaries. According to them, what they spend on transportation now takes up a large part of their income. They are calling on the state government to introduce shuttle buses that will make movement easier, faster, and more affordable.
Mr Michael a civil servant resident in agbama who spoke with our correspondent said the cost of going to work has almost doubled in recent months.He blamed this increase on the rising cost of fuel and the general economic situation in the country.He added that transport operators often increase fares without warning, leaving workers with no choice but to pay.
Another a civil servant, who chose to remain anonymous, said that transportation now takes more money than the official allowance given to workers. She appealed to the government led by Dr. Alex Otti to urgently provide shuttle buses for civil servants for resident of agbama, She suggested that the buses should pick workers from Agbama Gate in the morning and also from World Bank Estate, and then return them after work. According to her, this system will greatly reduce daily expenses and make life easier for workers. She said, “It is becoming very difficult for us to cope. If shuttle buses are introduced, our expenses will reduce and we can save more.”
Another resident, Mrs. Joy, who lives in Agbama, also shared her experience. She explained that she often has to take two different keke to get to work almost every day. Because of this, she spends more money on transport than she can afford.
She added that the daily journey is not only expensive but also stressful and tiring. Sometimes, she has to wait for a long time in the at agbama gate before getting keke, and this can make her late for work. The stress of changing from one Keke to another also makes the journey uncomfortable.
Mrs. Joy appealed to the government of Dr Alex otti to assist workers by introducing shuttle buses. She said that if shuttle buses are provided, workers will not need to take multiple Keke to reach their workplaces.
According to her, this will reduce transport costs, save time, and make daily travel easier for many people.
Residents of the Agbama area have therefore called on the Abia State Government to take urgent action by providing shuttle buses which will operate along agbama and Worldbank areas in the morning and afternoon.
They also explained that the introduction of shuttle buses will not only help civil servants in agbama but will also benefit students, traders, and other people who are resident in agbama and it will improve workers’ productivity and also support economic activities along agbama and Worldbank area.
The residents are hopeful that the government will listen to their concerns and take quick action. They believe that providing shuttle buses will go a long way in reducing the hardship caused by the continuous rise in transport fares.
By Ifeanyichukwu Faith Chizuruoke and Lovina Onwuka
