The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has flagged off of construction of wireless led traffic light control signals at 98 major intersections within the Territory.
This is to ensure ease of traffic and orderliness on Abuja roads.
The project is part of the donor projects powered by the Chinese Government for the benefit of the FCT residents.
At the commencement of the project in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello said “it has added a needed impetus as the government strives towards building a world class capital city.”
Bello noted that the project also adds value to efforts of managing energy consumption needs as the traffic control signals will utilise wireless LED energy saving illumination.
The Minister expressed hope that on completion, the project would further aid efforts by the FCT Administration to achieve an efficient and effective traffic management system in Abuja.
Bello said; “Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with an equally fast growing population.This rapid growth has put enormous pressure on city Infrastructure including those dedicated to Traffic management.
“On our part, we will ensure an enabling environment for a hitch-free and successful delivery of this project and look forward to its completion and subsequent commissioning.”
Bello was represented at event by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola.
The Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, Abdullahi Candido, on behalf of FCT Permanent Secretary, said that the story of the project started in 2012, during the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC.
He said the conference, the Chinese Government assented to the request to help the Nigerian Government construct Solar Powered Wireless Traffic Control Signals at 74 intersections in Abuja.
Candido said “the Solar Powered Traffic light system has proven to be reliable and energy efficient, especially in the face of rising cost of gas in the global market.”
“The major challenge is our resolve to own the project and to commit to protecting it from vandalism. As already directed by the Minister, authorized officials to work on the installation would be clearly identifiable.
“I therefore call on citizen and residents to rise to protect the installations. If you see something unusual taking place, please raise alarm,” he stated.
Also, Jiang Kai Fong Project manager, China Railway Eight Engineering Group Co. Ltd.(CREC No 8), the firm designated by the Chinese Government to implement the second Phase of the traffic light project, gave an overview of the project.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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