By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the provision of water to satellite towns is President Bola Tinubu’s priority.
Wike stated this after he inspected some projects yesterday in Abuja, while responding to a question about his recent visit to China.
The minister had, on May 1, travelled to China to finalise discussions with officials of China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group over the water project.
He said the FCTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with CGCOC for the provision of water in satellite towns, adding that the visit to China was a follow-up on the project.
He recalled that the Tinubu-led administration had promised to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, part of which would be delivered along Airport Road in the second year in office.
He added that beyond the city water supply, Tinubu directed that Abuja satellite towns must be provided with clean water.
Wike stated, “This is a critical project for Mr President.
“As I speak to you, he included part of the funding of satellite towns into the national budget, which has been passed.
“We have also included it in our statutory budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly.”
Wike noted that the water project would begin with Bwari, Karu and parts of Kubwa, adding that the procurement process is already at the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He said CGC, the company executing the Greater Abuja Water Supply, would execute the project.
He commended Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration to deliver impactful projects to residents, cutting across roads, health, education and other sectors.
He explained that 85 percent of the FCT Statutory Budget, if passed, would be dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 percent would be spent on new projects.
The minister said beyond road infrastructure, there are ongoing projects in the health sector.
“So, when we say projects, it does not mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are part of the ongoing projects, particularly education.
“If you see the number of schools being renovated, you will understand that education has a significant allocation in the budget,” he added.
He disclosed that about N140 billion was allocated for capital projects in the education sector alone in the statutory budget.
Wike stated, “Our intention is not to award new projects, but to complete the existing ones so that they will not be abandoned.
“All abandoned projects will be brought back to life and completed for the use of the people.”
