Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has disclosed that the Kuje township reconstruction which contract was awarded to Arab Contractor sometimes ago was not done.
The minister, who would not say when the contract was awarded to Arab Contractors, simply said that it was awarded by previous administration.
“That road was awarded by the previous administration at the cost of about N59 billion to Arab contractors.”
Wike spoke today, January 23, when he officially commissioned the newly reconstructed five kilometer asphalt carriageway from Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.
He said that President Bola Tinubu directed that whatever needed to be done should be done to complete the road, adding that the contractor was called back.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents.
He highlighted the importance of the road project, saying that it would significantly improve connectivity within Kuje and enhance its overall development.
The Minister assured that the long-awaited completion of the FCT Highway 105 from Airport Road to Kuje, a project initiated by the previous administration, was also nearing its homestretch.
He recalled a previous engagement with stakeholders in Kuje, where the traditional ruler had also requested the dualisation of the road, saying that President Tinubu equally gave a directive to ensure the completion of the project.
“Today, as we drove coming here, you can see that very soon, you don’t need to leave Kuje to go to the city centre to live. By the time that road is completed, this will be a different town altogether.”
The Minister announced that the government has approved the provision of a road project from Kuje to Pegi, a crucial step in improving regional connectivity.
Wike assured that the necessary budgetary provisions would be made to ensure construction of this project.
On the issue of water supply, the Minister said that President Tinubu had approved a N50 billion budget to provide water to satellite towns, including Kuje.
He said that it would address the critical water needs of the community,.
The Minister made it clear that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about party politics but about improving the lives of all Nigerians, even as he called on the community to continue to support the government in its efforts to deliver on its promises.
He stressed the importance of communication and collaboration between the government and the people, adding: “It is only in this administration of the President, Tinubu, that you can have the opportunity, that government can sit down with you and ask you questions and say, what do you want? And you say you want this. And government goes ahead to do it.”
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their unwavering support in the development of the FCT, adding that it has enabled the FCT to achieve a remarkable 90% implementation rate for all budgeted projects.
“We cannot thank you enough, because anything Mr. President has brought to you as regards the FCT, you have never hesitated. You have always given approval.”
Wike also commended the construction company, Gilmor, for the high quality work, even as he praised their corporate social responsibility initiatives and encouraged other companies to follow Gilmor’s example.
“I want urge other companies, remove a small percentage of your profit, contribute to the development of the community where you are working. It will not make you to be poor. Rather it will make us to give you more jobs because you care for our people.”
