Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello has said that the provision of engineering infrastructure development in Abuja would create direct and indirect jobs for many Nigerians.
He stated this during a tour of engineering infrastructure projects in the Guzape II District to ascertain the progress of work and challenges therein, over the weekend.
Speaking at the end of the tour, Malam Bello said this would enhance Abuja’s aesthetics and open up the area for development
He also expressed delight that already plot owners have commenced development of their property, especially in parts of the district, where the contractor has provided infrastructure.
“It is a project which we feel will enhance the city’s aesthetics and as you can see, along the entire corridor where you (Gilmor Engineering (Nig) Ltd) have started work, people have started building.
“I understand also that this is going to be a very beautiful district and as we have spent some time and gone round the projects, we have seen how much work has been done and we have seen some of the challenges.”
The Minister reassured the contractor that efforts would be made to overcome the challenges which include elements of encroachment along the road corridor.
“In any project, there will always be challenges. But as partners, it is left for us to look at the challenges and get solutions for them
“I have seen the challenges you have with the road corridor, especially with the encroachments and I assure you that we will work with my team and see how we can resolve them.“
Noting that the project had financial and pricing challenges, the Minister assured them that consideration for a number of reviews was underway.
He also encouraged the contractor to continue to deliver good quality work and assured them that; “As partners in the development of the FCT, they will be favourably mentioned in years to come when the history of the development of the FCT is written.”
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, while providing details on the project, said that Guzape II, on completion could be likened to Manhattan, in New York, USA and Jumeirah in Dubai rivalling any specially built area in any part of the world’s best cities.
Located in Cadastral Zone A11 and on the higher grounds of Guzape Phase I, the Executive Secretary explained that all mistakes in the development of previous Districts in the FCT had been corrected in the case of Guzape II, making it a model district that would also enhance tourist activities in Abuja.
He disclosed that Guzape District would boast of the first-ever tunnel in the city that would provide access to homes and businesses.
Revealing that the Minister has ordered the removal of encroachment encumbering the progress of work, the Executive Secretary added that a relocation layout plan was made to accommodate some villages of original inhabitants currently on the site.
According to him, the layout will provide for their resettlement and pave the way for the project, which entails the provision of engineering infrastructure, comprising of roads, water supply, drainages and electrical power supply, amongst others.
The Managing Director of Gilmore Engineering (Nig) Ltd, Mr Eli Goldhar assured the Minister of his company’s preparedness to deliver world-class infrastructure to the new district.
Also on the tour with the Minister were the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Director of Land Administration TPL Adamu Hussaini Jibrin and other senior officials of the FCTA and the construction company.
PIAK
