By Stanley Onyekwere
In continuation with commitment commitment to improving safety, aesthetics, and functioning of essential services in the nation’s capital city, Abuja, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike yesterday flagged off the rehabilitation of 49 road projects, in the Asokoro District of the city.
Wike disclosed that the projects he is embarking on in the Federal Capital Territory, were borne out of hard decisions to deliver on the Presidential mandate to him and the Minister of State.
While performing the commencement of the rehabilitation works, the Minister said it is the second phase of resurfacing and remedial works on some roads within highbrow Asokoro district, with five months completion period.
Our correspondent reports that the streets in Asokoro that are to be rehabilitate are: Abdoul Diouf Street, Akenzua Street, Gado Nasko Close, Gnassingbe Eyadema Street, Haile Selassie Street, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Justice Roseline Ukeje Close, Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, Kyari Mohammed Crescent, River Yambo Street, Maitama Sule Street, Nelson Mandela Street, Patrice Lumumba Street, Samora Machel Street, Siaka Steven Street, Udo Udoma Street, Ukpabi Asika Street, Williams Tolbert Close, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Aya Ramp, Aya Roundabout, Usman Fodio Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Muhammadu Ribadu Street, J. F. Kennedy Street, Ali Akilu Crescent, Ibrahim Taiwo Street and Justice G. Sowemimo Street/Jose Marti Crescent.
Other locations outside Asokoro include: Burundi Street, Cabinda Street, Damba Close, Ndande Crescent, Suez Crescent, Lumsar Street, Addis Ababa Street, Manzini Street, Benghazi Street, Manapulane Casamance Street, Bamenda Street, Lukulu Street, Kamina Street, Tamale Street, Matadi Street, Algeria Street, ASBA / Dantata Street, Off Ring Road-2, Queen Elizabeth Street and Gashua Close, Area-8, Garki.
According to the Minister, the affected roads will be partially closed to traffic and road users will be diverted to other adjoining routes to allow for smooth conduct of the rehabilitation works.
He reiterated that the administration of Tinubu has good plans for Nigerians, but hard decisions must be taken to actualize it through the “ Renewed Hope Agenda”.
According to him, Tinubu has given him a marching order to make Abuja a city that Nigerians will be proud of.
He added that hard decisions were taken to return FCT back on project sites, hence the resurfacing of the roads across different districts.
“ President Bola Tinubu has given back hope to Nigerians and to the residents of FCT. When were sworn in Tinubu gave a marching order to the Minister of State and myself, to do everything humanly possible to bring back FCT to what a city should be.
“ I don’t have the time see people who were protesting against me , I am busy and don’t want to be distracted. I want to be focused and deliver on the mandate given to us by Mr. President.
“ You must be strong and courageous to take decisions, and we have taken decisions to make our people happy. This administration has taken a decision to make sure we work for the people as the President has mandated.
“ When you bring policies that will bring change , few people who benefit will kick against the change, but when you are focused, they will come back to align.
“ We must take decisions, no matter how hard they are, what is important is that at the end of the day, the people should benefit from it”, he stressed.
Similarly, Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the resurfacing of road networks marks a significant step towards revitalizing our infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life for FCT residents.
Mahmoud said: “By investing in the resurfacing of our road networks, we are investing in the pride and beauty of our community. Let us also acknowledge the economic impact of these efforts.
“While the administration appreciates the positive aspects of road resurfacing, it is crucial to acknowledge the inconveniences that may accompany the process – temporary and transient – traffic disruptions, detours, and construction noise. I appeal to residents and motorists to show understanding during this period.”
Not left out, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Arab Contractors (OAO) Nigeria Limited, Mohammed El Assar pledged his company’s readiness to deliver quality work.
He said: “We will do our best by giving Abuja residents quality roads in line with the specifications given by the FCT Administration”.
