Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, yesterday commended FCT residents for their support and cooperation despite the numerous inconveniences they have been suffering in the wake of road construction exercises in some parts of Abuja.
Wike, who gave the commendation after inspecting some road projects in the AYA area of the city, said, “I commend all of you for your support and the sacrifices that you have been making. Some roads have been diverted, while some areas are experiencing huge traffic due to the ongoing road projects across the city.”
The Minister was briefed by the contractors on the stages of completion of the project and was assured that it would be ready for commissioning by the President, Bola Tinubu, in May.
“Where we are now is Goodluck Jonathan Expressway, which is being completed. It is going to be a part of the roads that we believe will be commissioned in May,” the Minister said.
“We have spotted some areas where we think the contractor should make some adjustments. Overall, it will be completed in one or two weeks with the streetlights.
“We also went to Guzape Lot II, where the road infrastructure being provided will also be completed before May ends. The project will be handed over to us by Gilmor,” Wike said.
The Minister also inspected the laid-out roads in Diplomatic Zone, Guzape, where there is appreciable progress against the backdrop of his last visit three weeks ago.
The Guzape layout, according to the contractor, would be completed in a year, despite that some parts of the road are ready, except for street lighting.
When Wike requested a speedy completion of the projects, the contractor said it depended on the availability of funds, which has not been a challenge.
The Minister, however, assured that the FCT administration would make the funds available to ensure a speedy completion of the projects.
He disclosed that the resurfacing of roads would be completed before May, despite that it’s not a part of the projects that the president would commission in May.
Meanwhile, Wike has lauded President Bola Tinubu for assenting the N1.28trn FCT 2024 Appropriation Bill into law.
He added that it would enable the FCT Administration to begin procurement processes.
He said, “What you will see will be a revolution in terms of infrastructure. With this budget, a lot of things will be done, not just on roads, but also in the health and education sector.”
While responding to criticisms that there was no proof of fresh development or improvement in streetlights in Abuja and that there was an increased spate of crime in the city, Wike described the critics as ‘sadists’ who are not happy when people are happy.”
“There are those who will never be happy in their lives. They are sadists. If anybody said that there is no improvement in the streetlight, he is a sadist,” the Minister said.
“Also, those saying there are criminals all over the city are parts of the criminals,” he stressed.
