President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday inaugurated the $470 million Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, following an eight-year wait.
Inaugurating the project, Tinubu described it as a “monumental effort” that would ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to homes, institutions and communities across the capital city.
According to him, water is not a luxury, but a basic human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.
He thanked Mr Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, for exhibiting a great virtue of leadership.
He said: “This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the needs of his people and he goes about, committed with dedication to do it. That is what you have been exhibiting in FCT.”
In his address of welcome, Wike expressed excitement and joy at the completion of the project.
“The landmark achievement is set to revolutionise the city’s water infrastructure, providing a major boost to the lives of Abuja’s residents.”
The Minister explained that the project was started in 2017 under a partnership with the African Development Initiative, specifically to cover loops one, two, five, and six.
Wike said the Chinese government contributed 85% of the funding, with the federal government and the FCT providing the remaining 15%.
He said the project was completed within two years, following President Tinubu’s directive to boost the city’s water supply.
He said: “Although the project was awarded since 2017, your administration has completed it and today we are inaugurating it to improve water supply in the city.”
The minister recalled that the FCT Administration had in 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide water in FCT satellite towns.
He said: “I want to say today, that we have almost completed the procurement process to provide water to residents of Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, among other communities.
“So, Mr President, you are not only providing water to residents in the cities; you are also providing water to residents in satellite towns.”
He thanked the President for the support and assured him that this project would be completed and inaugurated in 2026 to celebrate his third year in office.
He also thanked the National Assembly for the tireless support, which he described as “very encouraging”.
In her address, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, also expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and for prioritising the delivery of essential services as a cornerstone of his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
She said: “Your Excellency, your leadership has breathed new life into long-standing projects such as this one, transforming plans on paper into realities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.
“The completion of these water supply loops clearly demonstrates your administration’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind in our pursuit of national development.”
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