Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Nigerian state introduces free transport for all school children

THE Enugu State Government has introduced free transport services for primary school pupils and secondary school students in the state.


By Emma Ugwueze, Enugu, Nigeria.


THE Enugu State Government has introduced free transport services for primary school pupils and secondary school students in the state.

This is part of the palliatives the government has rolled out to cushion the effect of the increase in the pump price of petrol,

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, who disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the first meeting of the Year of the State Executive Council said the service would be provided by the government owned Coal City shuttle buses.

According to Mr. Ugwoke, the bus services would operate in all parts of the state between half past six in the morning and to three in the afternoon.

He however added that the buses would only pick up students in school uniforms.

The Commissioner explained that government’s decision was in line with the administration of Governor Chime’s resolve to improve quality of education and make commuting for students much easier, more convenient and affordable.

He added that the governor has also approved over N238,355,761.00 (two hundred and thirty-eight million Naira) for the renovation and upgrading of infrastructure at the School of Health Technology, Oji River, and School of Public Health Nursing/Health Technology, Nsukka.

One hundred and twenty- one million Naira (N121,810,581.00) will cover construction of class rooms, administrative office, library, hostel blocks, water boreholes and ICT centre at the Oji River while over one hundred and sixteen million Naira (N116,545,180.00) would be spent for the same project at the school of Public Health Nursing, Nsukka through direct labour.


'The Moment' - independent Nigerian newspaper. 23 Jan 2012.

[Egunu State: Pop nearly 6 million. Ed]



Friday, January 13, 2012

Tallinn Offers Free Public Transportation to All Residents

Published: 11.01.2012

Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar ( Photo: Postimees/Scanpix )

Tallinn Mayor Edgar Savisaar said the city is willing to make public transportation free for its residents in 2013, if taxpayers support the idea in a poll from March 19 to 25.

Currently, pensioners and children of families with financial difficulties are granted free bus rides in Tallinn, reported Õhtuleht. "Free fares would be useful for others in economic hardship, who could instead use the ticket money for a better meal," said Savisaar.

A three-member family could save up 650 euros per year, the mayor said.

The reform would also popularize travel by bus and reduce the number of cars, congestion and traffic accidents, he added.

Ingrid Teesalu

Estonian Public Broadcasting, 11 January 2012.

[Tallin is a major city in Estonia, with a population of 416,144. Editor]