By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike has assured that the road constructions and resurfacing works going on would be complete before May 28th , 2024.
The minister gave this assurance on Wednesday during the inspection of several ongoing road projects across the FCT.
During the inspection, Wike expressed satisfaction with the work done so far and hoped that the projects will be completed in time to mark the first-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office.
The projects visited include the Outer Southern Expressway, OSEX, beginning from AA Rano behind the Villa through Deeper Life Junction, SARS, Apo Roundabout to Wassa; under construction by Messrs CGC Construction Limited, the Northern N-20 Expressway beginning from AA Rano, stretching to Zuba; being constructed by Gilmor Construction.
At Jabi, the minister interacted with the crowd that cheered him as he assured them that by 2024, the work will be completed to their comfort, urging them to exercise patience to enjoy the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu.
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Wike noted that before he came on board, construction work had been suspended on both roads, arising from challenges with sourcing funds to carry out the project.
“When I came on board, these roads were abandoned and I had to invite the contractors. We sat down and agreed on a way to get funds. I am happy that it has worked out very well.
“The contractors have assured us that these roads will be completed on time, and we believe that by the special grace of God, it is one of those projects earmarked for one year in office for Mr. President.
“The contractors have done very well, very quality jobs, I commend them, and I still appeal to them not to lower the standard because at the end of the day, they will still come back to repeat the job. I believe in them, and the other jobs they are doing.
On funding, Wike stated that arrangements had been made to get more funding for the completion of the projects, reiterating that he would rather not approve a project than award it without funds or having to suspend it due to lack of funds.
“We have made arrangements for funding. Mr. President has said severally that he doesn’t want to hear excuses. He has given that directive and they have approved the supplementary budget. We believe that any moment from now, we will receive further funding, which will be channeled to most of these projects, so we won’t hear complaints about no funding.
“I am not going to embark on any project where we know we have no funding; it does not make any sense. No project will be awarded where we know we have no funds. And even when there are funds, and it is not enough, I will not embark on such projects, so that we don’t need to suffer the people,” the minister said.
