By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike has dismissed criticisms that his administration was focusing too much on roads constructions, nothing that infrastructure was foundational to development.
Wike stated this during the flagged off of the construction of access road ILS 02 and ILS 03 known as Timipre Sylva Street in Mabushi District of the nation’s capital on Monday.
He pledged that Abuja will experience massive infrastructural transformation before the expiration of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, adding that all ongoing projects were fully funded in other to avoid abandonment of projects.
The Minister said the new roads marked another step in actualizing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes modern infrastructure, efficient transportation, education, healthcare and youth empowerment in the nation’s capital.
“By the time Mr President’s tenure expires, Abuja will be a different city. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world. What we are doing is implementing the vision of the President, and no sector will be left untouched”, he said.
“Don’t bring projects when you don’t have the money. If you award contracts without funding, you only raise false hopes. That is why we are ensuring that every project we flag off is backed by available funds”, he stated.
In a similar development, the Minister also inspected the ongoing works at the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu,Jabi District,and judges’quarters in Gishiri.
While expressing satisfaction with the pace of work on the judiciary housing projects, he voiced concerns over delays at the Court of Appeal site.
“I am not too satisfied that the contractor will meet the promised timeline, but I believe the project will not exceed this year,” he said, adding that he had summoned the contractor for urgent talks.
Wike commended the President’s commitment to the welfare of judicial officers, stressing that decent accommodation would help strengthen judicial independence.
“With what Mr President has put out, it shows he wants our judges to be independent and safe, not living among criminals. That is why these quarters are very important,” he said.
The Mabushi road project and the judiciary housing schemes are part of the FCTA’s renewed push to complete priority infrastructure that had either stalled or suffered delays under successive administrations.
END.
