The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says provision of water to Abuja satellite towns is dear to the heart of President Bola Tinubu.
The stated this after he inspected some projects in Abuja on Friday, while responding to a question about his recent visit to China.
The minister had on May 1 travelled to China to finalise discussion with officials of the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group over water project.
He said that the FCTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGCOC for the provision of water in satellite towns, adding that the visit to China was a follow up on the project.
Wike recalled that the President Tinubu-led administration had promised to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, part of which would be delivered along Airport Road in second year in office.
He added that beyond the city water supply, Tinubu directed that Abuja satellite towns must be provided with clean water.
“This is a critical project for Mr President. As I speak to you, Mr President has included part of the funding of the satellite towns in the National Budget, which has been passed.
“We have also included it in our Statutory Budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly”,he added
Wike said that the water project would begin with Bwari, Karu, and part of Kubwa, adding that the procurement process was already at the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He said that CGC, the company executing the Greater Abuja Water Supply would execute the project.
The Minister commended the President for supporting the FCT Administration to deliver impactful projects to FCT residents, cutting across roads, health, education and other sectors.
He explained that 85 per cent of the FCT Statutory Budget, if passed, would be dedicated for completion of ongoing projects while 15 would be spent on new projects.
The minister said that beyond road infrastructure, there were ongoing projects in the health sector.
Wike further explained that, “So, when we say projects, it doesn’t mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are part of the ongoing projects, particularly in education.
“If you see the number of schools being renovated, you’ll understand that education has a significant allocation in the budget.
He disclosed that about N140 billion was allocated for capital projects in the education sector alone in the statutory budget.
Wike added: “Our intention is not to award new projects but to complete the existing ones so that they will not be abandoned.
“All those abandoned projects will be brought back to life and completed for the use of the people.”
AICC Upcoming Inauguration
In another development, the FCT Ministerhinted that the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) will be the first project to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister, who stated this after inspecting the project in Abuja on Friday, explained that the project would be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.
Wike commended Julius Berger, the contractor executing the total renovation of the edifice for the quality of job so far.
He also commended the company for working based on agreed timeline for completion of the project.
The minister said that the centre was in a terrible state before Tinubu directed that it should be rehabilitated and upgraded to the status of an international conference centre.
He said that the centre was built in 1991 saying “it is surprising that no one had attempted to give it a facelift until now.
He described the feat as a prime example of “effective leadership”.
No responsible leader would allow such a facility to be referred to as an international conference centre, given its deplorable state.
“Today, the centre has been transformed into a world-class facility, thanks to Mr President’s leadership and support.
“That’s what leadership is all about,” Wike said.
The minister also inspected the ongoing extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, being executed by Julius Berger.
He expressed optimism that the first phase of the project would be part of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu to celebrate his second anniversary in office.
The Minister commended the contractor for keeping to the project timeline saying, “their commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of the project, from the equipment used to the skilled labour employed.
“This project is a testament to the renewed hope agenda, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition,” Wike said.
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