Katsina — Former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Trust Fund (PTDF) Engineer Muttaqa Rabe Darma yesterday launched 12 commercial buses for inter-states and local shuttle in Katsina State.

Speaking at the emir's place on courtesy visit, Engineer Darma explained that the buses comprised seven 60-seater, three 48-seater and four J-5 buses, which he said cost him N22 million.

"Part of the money was my severance gratuity, which is 300 per cent of my consolidated annual salary. The scheme was aimed at easing hardship faced by my people in Katsina State in the transportation sector," Darma said.

He said the buses will boost the economy of the state with N500 million in two years. He said Katsina-Kano will cost a passenger only N200 and so also Katsina-Funtua, while Katsina to local markets in Mashi, Kaita, Dutsin-ma, Dankama, Jibia towns will cost a passenger only N50 per drop.

Responding, Emir of Katsina Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman thanked the former PTDF's boss for the gesture, saying transportation was among the major problems bedeviling the people of Katsina.