Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
In furtherance to accelerating the rapid development of Abuja, the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced the provision of infrastructure to about 24 short routes totaling about 9.2 kilometers in A09, Guzape Lot I and II District, and parts of Asokoro District linking to AIT neighbourhood, in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that the infrastructure to be provided also includes artworks surface water drainage pipe network asphalt paved roots rocks and pipe culverts drainage network, water distribution pipe network, street lighting, power supply, as well as telecommunication docks.
Also, it was gathered that while the FCT Administration processed, and the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract for engineering infrastructure to outstanding areas within Asokoro and Guzape districts. The project was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, in March 2005, and it is expected to be completed within 18 months.
Performing the official flag-off of the project, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, noted that the intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s desire and commitment to making sure that every part of Abuja, particularly the city, has infrastructure, especially road networks that will make the city to be what it is.
Wike said those who are living there, are now enjoying the impact of the Tinubu’s administration, as they have been for years, no roads, but now there are roads and other infrastructure.
According to him: “Would they say they had no impact at all, as far as Tinubu’s administration is concerned? That’s why we always say that if previous government took it seriously and were committed to make sure our city, our capital city, looks like other cities of the world, by now we wouldn’t have been talking about completing these other layouts.
‘Now that a new government has come, a new government is determined to change the narrative, we have no choice but to continue to support that government. So, at the end of the day, we will benefit from the dividends of democracy.
“Mr. President has promised all of us, not only just those in Abuja, those who are living outside of Abuja that there will be a difference, which is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda. If things were good, we wouldn’t have had the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“But because things were bad, and there was a need to rekindle the hope of Nigerians. Now, don’t lose hope, we are here to bring back the hope that you have lost, and that’s what is going on.”
The minister, who expressed confidence in the contractors to deliver on schedule, advised them to use their experience to complete project on time, so that the people will benefit.
He also urged youths, and other residents to cooperate with the contractors, so that they can complete the job on time.
“Let the company also employ our teeming youths, men and women, in terms of employment, that will put food on the table to feed their families”, he added.
Speaking earlier, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Mr. President’s vision of ensuring that every district of the FCT is accessible and well-serviced continues to inspire the administration’s efforts, noting that today’s commissioning was another testimony of that resolve.
Mahmoud described the provision of engineering infrastructure within Guzape AO9 and the AIT Neighbourhood in Asokoro AO4 as of immense importance.
She said, “Beyond opening up these districts for development, the road networks and associated infrastructure will enhance connectivity between neighbourhoods, reducing travel time and decongesting other adjoining routes.”
Earlier, while presenting an overview of the contract, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, explained that Guzape and Asokoro are districts of the city located on the eastern fringes of the city, which have been provided with full engineering infrastructure their contracts were awarded in two lots, with most of the plots fully developed.
He added that in the course of development of the districts, additional layouts were created, were not captured in the original scope, and these outstanding layouts are located at various neighborhoods within these districts and other layouts that are contiguous to them.
He said when completed, the project will provide good access routes and internet infrastructure to the outstanding areas of Asokoro and Guzape districts, thereby enhancing security, movement, interconnectivity for residents, and providing the full and complete infrastructure to this area.
