The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing clean and accessible water to residents of Abuja’s satellite towns, describing it as a top priority of the current administration.
Wike made the statement on Friday while inspecting ongoing projects across the FCT. He was responding to questions regarding his recent trip to China, where he finalized discussions with the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC) on a major water supply initiative.
The minister, who visited China on May 1, disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGCOC for the implementation of a water project specifically targeting satellite towns in the FCT.
“This is a critical project for Mr President,” Wike said. “As I speak to you, Mr President has included part of the funding for the satellite towns water supply in the National Budget, which has already been passed.”
He noted that additional funding for the project has been included in the FCTA’s statutory budget, currently before the National Assembly for approval. The initiative will commence in Bwari, Karu, and parts of Kubwa, with procurement processes already at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
Wike emphasized that the Chinese firm CGC, which is already handling the Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme, would also oversee the new project aimed at extending clean water to underserved areas.
He recalled that President Tinubu, during the early days of his administration, had pledged to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply and ensure access to clean water in rural and peri-urban communities within the FCT. The segment of the water project along Airport Road is expected to be completed within the administration’s second year.
The FCT Minister also clarified that the federal government’s development agenda goes beyond road construction to include critical sectors like education and healthcare.
“So, when we talk about projects, it doesn’t mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are also part of the ongoing projects, particularly in the education sector,” he said.
Wike revealed that the FCTA has earmarked over ₦140 billion for capital projects in education under the statutory budget, adding that the administration is determined to complete all abandoned and ongoing projects to avoid wastage of public funds.
“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 benefit of the people,” Wike assured.
The minister’s remarks signal a renewed drive by the Tinubu administration to improve infrastructure and basic services in Abuja’s growing satellite communities, ensuring inclusive development and access to essential amenities.
NAN