BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has lamented lack of basic infrastructure in Abuja satellite towns and the area councils.
Wike, who made the observation
during an inspection of road projects in Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Councils on Thursday, however, promised to provide the infrastructure in the area councils and satellite towns for residents to feel the impact of governance.
He stated that the present FCT administration is giving necessary attention to the development of the area councils and the satellite towns to address the challenge of poor infrastructure.
The minister disclosed that 58 percent of the 2024 capital budget has been allocated for the completion of ongoing projects including those inherited from the previous administrations, while 42 percent is earmarked for new projects which will be spread across the area councils.
Wike also commended President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to be part of his administration’s quest to renew the hope of Nigerians and for what he described as ‘tremendous support’ to the FCT Administration to provide critical infrastructure and quality services to residents of the FCT.
He explained that the Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda was not meant for only the people in the cities but was designed to also ensure that those in rural communities feel the impact of his administration.
According to him, “I am very glad to say that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working, particularly as it concerns the area councils.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not only for the cities; it is also to make sure that those in the rural areas feel part of the administration.
“We have been to Bwari and we attest to the fact that, that is a very difficult terrain. No wonder people talk of insecurity.
“But with the construction of that road, you can say that there is hope. I feel so happy that I am part of this administration and that people can see changes.
“Again, we are here in Saburi, and you can see the work going on. When we came to inaugurate the road, you could see the enthusiasm among the people,” he said.
The projects inspected included the 7.2-kilometre road linking Gaba and Tokulo communities in Bwari Area Council and the five-kilometre access road linking Saburi 1 and 2 in Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The roads are part of the 42.- kilometre rural roads being constructed across the six area councils of the FCT.