The outgoing Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello at the weekend, flagged off the ground breaking ceremony contract for the final engineering, design and infrastructure development of Maitama II District of the nation’s capital.
While flagging off the exercise, the minister said the project, costing N184 billion, if completed will open up the Federal Capital City to accommodate the increasing population of the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, said the engineering infrastructure project marks the conclusion of the administration’s actualisation map of developing the territory.
He said the Maitama II District, which covers 780 hectares of land mass on the hills of Mpape, will have presidential resort as one of the features to be accommodated.
Bello noted that the administration is conscious of its responsibility to the residents of FCT, for the continuous provision of the requisite engineering infrastructure necessary for the growth of residential, commercial and social services.
He acknowledged the keen interest of the National Assembly in supporting the administration in all stages that led to the approval and award of the contract.
“We are committed to ensuring sustainable funding of the project from our internally generated revenue and other sources.”
The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmed, revealed that the contract was awarded to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Nig. Ltd at the contract sum of N184,366,505,342.50 with a completion period of 48 months.
This, he said was in addition to the numerous other achievements already recorded within the period of the outgoing Minister since he took over the mantle of leadership of the FCTA.
He said: “In line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan, infrastructure development of the city is being developed progressively to meet-up with the rate of expansion of the City as well as availability of funds. The scope of work for the Development of Maitama II District mainly include: Site Clearance and Earthworks Road Works Storm Water Drainage System Coverts of various sizes Confirmatory Site Tests Waste Water Drainage System, Water Distribution Network Power Supply and Street Lighting Conduits for Telecommunication.”
