The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says work is ongoing to repair the roof of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal damaged by a storm, with a comprehensive structural redesign to withstand extreme weather.

The mandate secretary of the FCTA transportation secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Elechi recalled that a violent localised windstorm, described as “a high-speed tornado”, originated from nearby hills and directly struck the terminal.

Noting public concern over the facility, the mandate secretary said while the storm sheared off sections of the roof, the facility’s main reinforced structure remained intact.

He added that the facility’s main reinforced structure shielded nearby residential properties from significant damage.

He added that “Kugbo terminal took the full force of a tornado that built from the hills.

“When we did the assessment, we realised that if the terminal had not been there to absorb the shock, the high-speed wind would have crossed the road and damaged the houses opposite the facility. The main structure stood firm; it did not collapse.

“Following the damage, engineers initiated a complete redesign of the roofing framework to reinforce it against high-velocity wind gusts typical of the surrounding terrain. We are fixing it, and it is almost done.”

Mr Elechi assured that the facility would be fully operational to serve commuters travelling along the major eastern transit corridor connecting Abuja to Mararaba, Keffi, Jos, and adjoining routes.

He said the Kugbo terminal forms part of a broader strategic effort by the FCTA to modernise public transport infrastructure and curb unorganised interstate vehicular parks across the territory.

He explained that the current network of terminals would allow the FCTA to regulate and capture between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of public transit volume within the Federal Capital City.

He added that additional terminal projects are in the pipeline under the direction of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with timelines to be announced as planning progresses. 

(NAN)