Ibrahim Suleiman
The Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) Project, popularly known as Kaduna Connect, has engaged representatives of local government areas in metropolitan Kaduna to strengthen stakeholder participation and promote public awareness ahead of its implementation.
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The consultation, held at the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), brought together LGA representatives, members of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and project consultants, with some participants joining virtually.
Participants were briefed on the project’s objectives, proposed service network, implementation arrangements and current status, as well as the differences between the BRT system and conventional bus services currently operating in Kaduna.
In his welcome address, the Project Director, Dr Yamusa Bello Yamusa, emphasised the important role of local governments in the planning, coordination and successful delivery of the project.
He explained that their closeness to communities positions them to disseminate information, raise public awareness and communicate concerns relating to existing transport routes, informal transport operations, accessibility and local economic activities.
Dr Yamusa called for sustained engagement with stakeholders to build public confidence and ensure community support for the initiative.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Dr Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the €110 million project, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), would provide approximately 25 kilometres of dedicated BRT infrastructure from Kawo to Refinery Junction.
He said the project would comprise 30 stations, two terminals, a bus depot and a fleet of 120 buses.
Dr Aliyu explained that Phase One would cover about 17 kilometres, from Kawo to Command Junction, while Phase Two would extend the corridor to Refinery Junction.
He added that the engineering design was nearing completion, while the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was being finalised and the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) was under development.
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The Deputy Team Lead of the Project Management and Operational Design (PMOD) consultant, Engr Mahmoud Dansarki, outlined the major features of the BRT system, including dedicated lanes, prepaid fares, priority at junctions, level boarding and intelligent transport systems.
He said the proposed network of approximately five routes would serve Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas.
On resettlement, the Community and Social Development Specialist, Dr Abdulkadir Jafar, explained that affected persons, businesses and vendors would be identified and engaged in clusters, with provisions for relocation and compensation to ensure fairness and transparency before construction begins.
The LGA representatives raised concerns about passenger safety at stations, enforcement of dedicated lanes, bus maintenance and provisions for small-scale traders.
Responding, the project team said speed bumps and pedestrian bridges would be incorporated into the design, while physical barriers would separate BRT lanes from general traffic.
It explained that KADSTRA would establish the regulations, while the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) would be responsible for enforcement.
The team also assured stakeholders that private firms would handle fleet maintenance through a fully equipped workshop, preventive servicing and technology-based monitoring, while provisions for vendors would be considered at the terminals and depot.
Participants recommended that pedestrian bridges be strategically located close to the stations to improve accessibility and passenger safety.
They were encouraged to submit further comments and recommendations through the project’s designated communication channels and commended the PMU for organising the engagement.
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Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit, popularly known as Kaduna Connect, is a flagship initiative of the Kaduna State Government aimed at providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable urban mobility through a modern mass transit system across the metropolis.
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