Water supply to Abuja satellite towns, top priority of Tinubu govt – Wike

Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said President Bola Tinubu prioritizes water provision for Abuja’s satellite towns.

Wike, speaking after inspecting Abuja projects on Friday, confirmed his China trip, which began May 1, was to advance a water project with China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC).

He added that the FCTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGCOC, and the trip was a follow up.

He recalled that the Tinubu-led administration had promised to deliver the Abuja City Water Supply, with part of it slated for areas along Airport road, within the second year in office.

He added that, beyond the city water supply, President Tinubu directed that clean water should be provided to Abuja’s satellite towns.

He said: “This is a critical project for Mr President. As I speak to you, Mr President has included part of the funding of the satellite towns in the National Budget, which has been passed.

“We have also included it in our Statutory Budget, which has been laid before the National Assembly.”

Wike said the water project would commence with Bwari, Karu, and parts of Kubwa, noting that the procurement process was already underway at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

He said CGC, the company executing the Greater Abuja Water Supply, would implement the project.

The minister praised President Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration in implementing impactful projects in roads, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of FCT residents.

He explained that, if passed, 85% of the FCT statutory budget would be allocated to completing ongoing projects, while 15% would go into new projects.

The minister noted that, beyond road infrastructure, significant projects were also underway in the health sector.

He said: “So, when we say projects, it does not mean only road infrastructure. Education and healthcare are part of the ongoing projects, particularly in education.

“If you see the number of schools being renovated, you will understand that education has a significant allocation in the budget.”

According to him, the statutory budget allocates about N140 billion to capital projects in the education sector.

“Our intention is not to award new projects but to complete the existing ones so that they will not be abandoned.

“All those abandoned projects will be brought back to life and completed for the use of the people,” he said.