Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to begin the rehabilitation of at least forty (40) schools in the nation’s capital.
He said the projects would add to the ongoing rehabilitation of 70 schools, with 45 already completed and furnished.
Mr Wike made this known during the flag-off of the Transit Way N2 project linking the Central Area to Wuse District, which also includes two bridges.
“We are going to start again the total rehabilitation of not less than 40 schools after this road project, and that will add to not less than 70 schools that are ongoing, with almost 45 completed and well furnished,” he said.
Wike also revealed that the administration would extend its focus to the health sector.
“And I said we will begin to look into the issue of health. We believe those in charge of health must sit up to know that time waits for nobody.
“If you don’t know how to meet up, go and ask those who know how to meet up with the speed that I work with. Go and meet the ES of FCDA; go and meet the Coordinator of STDD, and they will tell you how to meet up with me because it’s very key.
“Like I said, no sector will be left. By the directive of Mr President, every sector must be touched, and it’s for those of you in charge to kick start it and let us believe that you are serious,” the Minister emphasised.
He explained that the road project was initiated after he observed the efforts of private citizens, whom he described as “elder statesmen,” working to make the road motorable.
He explained that he immediately directed the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to take over and complete the project.
“During one of our inspection tours, I drove from where you have the TY Danjuma Foundation. I want to commend our elder statesmen for taking the bold step to start the construction from that side.
“I said these are citizens who mean well for our people. I felt that they should not be the only people that will do that road. So, I told the Executive Secretary, FCDA, to take it over from there and then link up to Wuse. Today, to the glory of God, we are here to flag off the road construction,” he stated.
The Minister further said that the Transit Way A2 is one of the key projects scheduled for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, urging the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
Mr Wike stressed that a strong road network was fundamental to urban development and attracting investments, citing the ‘Abuja City Walk’ project by Dubai investors as an example.
“There cannot be development in any city without a good network of roads. Road infrastructure attracts investments, ”he said.
PIAK