By Oye Chukwujekwu
Special Correspondent, Asaba
Delta State Government has debunked insinuations that the state transport service, Delta Line, has been sold.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Aniagwu, at a well-attended press conference in Asaba, disclosed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had never contemplated selling the company, but divest 60 per cent of its equity shares to ensure greater efficiency and improved profitability.
He said for many years, the management of the company had failed to deliver on the purpose the company was set up. It incurred huge debts and also failed to meet with its contractual obligations to workers prompting government action in looking for better ways to ensure Deltans are better served.
“Delta State government wants the company (Delta Line) to remain as a going concern that is why nobody can contemplate the sale of the company.
“For anything, the name Delta Line must be retained, so, we are going into a Public Private Partnership (PPP), we are only partnering with the private sector that has demonstrated so much confidence and ability to run the operation of such business.
“There is no intention to short change the state, rather the decision that was made is for the best interest of the state, the best interest of Deltans, the best interest of the finances of the state and above all, the best interest of the lives of everyone irrespective of where they come from who will take advantage of this transport service to move to and fro their different destinations.”
