By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr. Nyesom Wike has flagged off construction and expansion of Lot 1 Bwari township water supply project.
Wike while flagging off the construction of the water project on Wednesday described it as a significant step by the President Bola Tinubu administration towards ensuring improved access to clean and portable water supply in all the satellite towns across the FCT.
The Minister disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate release of 50% of the contract sum for both the Bwari and Karu water projects, the two satellite towns already captured in this year budget.
He said the two projects which are to be done simontaenously are expected to be completed and inaugurated to mark President Tinubu’ third years in office in May, 2026.
Wike explained that other area councils such as Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji would also received attention in the FCT’s 2026 statutory budget for provision of water supply in their respective area councils.
“Today, we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Karu, in essence, taking two Area Councils together. By the time we finish with Bwari and Karu, in next year’s budget, by the grace of God, we will go to Kuje and Kwali. By 2027, by the grace of God, we will be talking about Gwagwalada and Abaji. By the time Mr. President’s four-year tenure expires, we would have touched all the satellite towns by providing them clean, potable water.
“Of course this will save you the cost of digging your own borehole, providing of pipes and the rest. All you would need to do is to just link up to the various pipe networks and then the water will flow, clean and treated water. Unlike the one from your borehole, this is fully treated water”.
He noted that the execution phase of the water projects will provide direct and indirect employment for the teeming youths of the FCT, appealed to the relevant stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and other community members, to take ownership of the projects and give the needed support to the contractors, emphasizing that water is a fundamental human need.
According to the Minister: “I appeal to the traditional rulers, I appeal to our youth, I appeal to our women, I appeal to all our community members to take this project as your own project. This is the first time a government has said that you too deserve to have potable clean water because water is life, not just saying it but implementing it.
“I think this is even more important than the road projects you have protected when the contractors are on site. If you can protect contractors when they are constructing roads, you can imagine what you will do as regards the supply of water, which is one of the basic needs in life. So, I urge you to collaborate and support the company so that we can achieve this on record time”.
Wike assured that the project would be pursued to its conclusion without being abandoned, in fulfilment of the promises made by the President to the people of the FCT and urged the residents to continue supporting the President.
He said, “We have agreed that we are going to bring water and we are bringing water. When I come back to say we have performed, you too you will perform. So, when the President has done for you, when it is your own turn too, do for the President”.
