By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has terminated the contract for the construction of the 13- kilometres Apo- Karshi road awarded to Kakatar Construction Company Ltd. by previous FCT Administration in 2011,citing non- performance.
Wike made this known while embarking on inspection tour of ongoing road projects in Karu-Custom-CBN Road, Gishiri-Katampe Road, and Apo-Wasa carriageway on Thursday in Abuja.
He expressed his displeasure over the way and manner the aforementioned company had been handling the road project since it was awarded to it.
In the light of this, the Minister disclosed that under emergency arrangement, the construction of the Apo-Karshi road will now be handle by another firm, SCC, which he affirmed have the required capacity.
“Let me tell you the truth, we have terminated that contract; it has been re-awarded to SCC. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work,” he said.
Wike stressed that road contracts should not be used to play politics with the welfare of the people.
“We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated,” he said.
He also revealed that the road from Kubwa to Bwari has been awarded and that work has commenced, adding that it will serve as an alternative route.
During the inspection at the Karu site, the minister assured a shop owner whose property was marked for demolition for obstructing a water channel that the government would pay adequate compensation.
He noted, however, that emotions would not be allowed to override public interest.
“You cannot do something to block the water channels, and we are even sympathetic by saying that we were going to give you money, but we must allow the water to have its way, because if not, it will cause a lot of flooding.
“That will also not be good for the people living around there. So sometimes we should not be emotional. She’s crying. She did the wrong thing,” he said.
He explained that the demolition was necessary to allow the free flow of water and prevent flooding in the area.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with the warm reception he received from residents in the project areas, saying it was an indication that people were happy with the government’s development strides.
“I have always said, what makes the government feel relaxed is when the people are happy. Of course, the very essence of governance is to make people happy and provide what improves their lives,” he said.
Wike noted that the ongoing road projects would be commissioned during the third-anniversary celebration of President Bola Tinubu.
