Maureen Okpe
In line with its commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Federal Ministry of Finance has formed a partnership in providing for a EUR 110 Million facility to Kaduna State in order to develop a state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
A statement made available by the French embassy on Thursday disclosed that the collaboration is set to improve the living conditions of residents of Kaduna Metropolis through the development of sustainable urban mobility.
It noted that the Kaduna Metropolis is a fast-growing and developing economic center, with population estimated at 1.3 million and is expected to double by 2030 to reach 3 million, adding under the combined pressure of demographic and economic development, the travel demand will keep rising in the coming years.
“The Kaduna BRT Project is the Transport Component of the ambitious Urban Renewal Program of Kaduna State Government.
“It is being implemented by the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) and will overhaul the public transport system in the metropolis towards a more effective service.
“The project will help set up sustainable operations of the BRT system through various engineering studies, the strengthening of KADSTRA and the transition of informal operators into the newly created bus industry.
“Despite encouraging initiatives carried out by KDSG, mobility remains characterized by structural challenges, including an unregulated paratransit industry, lack of mass public transit system, gaps in terms of infrastructures and maintenance facilities.
“The project’s output includes the delivery of a 24km-BRT system with segregated lanes, 30 bus stations, street lighting, pedestrian crossing facilities, bus depot, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) facilities and the purchase of 120 articulated 18-meter buses.
The statement further noted that, “through project implementation, KADSTRA will have the opportunity of sharing experiences with recognised and well-established transport regulatory agencies including Ile-de-France Mobilité in Paris and the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) in Lagos, whom AFD has been supporting since 2010.
“The KBRT Project will help shape the face of Kaduna into an attractive modern and dynamic city that will attract investors both local and foreign to the state.’