By National Record, with Agency Report
THE MINISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has stated that providing water to Abuja’s satellite towns is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made the disclosure on Friday after inspecting projects in Abuja, responding to questions about his recent trip to China.
The minister had travelled on May 1 to finalize discussions with the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group regarding a major water project.
He explained that the FCT Administration (FCTA) had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGCOC for water provision in satellite towns, and the China visit was a follow-up to advance the project.
Wike recalled that the Tinubu administration had pledged to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, with part of the project set for completion along the Airport Road in its second year.
Beyond this, he said the president directed that satellite towns must also receive clean water. “This is a critical project for Mr. President,” Wike emphasized.
“As I speak, Mr. President has included part of the funding for satellite towns in the passed National Budget. We have also included it in our Statutory Budget, now before the National Assembly,” the minister added.
The project will initially cover Bwari, Karu, and parts of Kubwa, with procurement processes already underway at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The same company handling the Greater Abuja Water Supply, CGC, will execute the satellite towns’ project, Wike said as he commended Tinubu for supporting the FCTA in delivering impactful projects across roads, health, education, and other sectors.
He noted that 85% of the FCT’s statutory budget, once passed, will fund ongoing projects, while 15% will go to new initiatives.
“Projects aren’t just about roads,” he clarified. “Healthcare and education are also key. The number of schools being renovated shows the significant allocation for education.”
The minister disclosed that about ₦140 billion was allocated for capital projects in education alone.
“Our focus is on completing existing projects, not initiating new ones,” Wike stressed. “We are reviving all abandoned projects to ensure they are completed and put to use for the people.” (NAN)
