FCT- Minister, Nyesom Wike, at weekend inspected many ongoing road projects in the nation’s capital, pleading with the motorists to bear with the inconveniences that they may be facing as a result of construction works.
He also said the decision of President Bola Tinubu to turn the nation’s capital, Abuja, into a construction site is to ensure that his Renewed Hope Agenda finds immediate expressions in the lives of residents even before his first anniversary in office.
The minister who expressed delight at the pace of work in the various sites, said some of the projects are nearing completion.
He said; “I have to commend the various contractors. The first site we went to is one of those areas that by the grace of God, it is 85 per cent ready. One of those interchanges in Wuye. The contractors are keeping to date and their commitment to delivering by the end of May.
“We also went to Kuje Road. It will open up that area of the council and last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, I did say that the contractors were not serious but going back there today, one is very impressed with the level and quality of work.
“I have always said that we are not going to allow any project to be abandoned. We have taken our priorities and most of these projects are also included in the statutory budget of 2024, which will soon be submitted to the National Assembly by Mr President when he returns form Qatar. I am very happy with the quality and speed with which these companies are working.
“By May, Nigerians will see the changes as far as FCT is concerned. We are carrying out a lot of resurfacing of the roads in the city centre like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and the rest of them.
“On Abuja turning into a construction site, it is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. So many people had lost hope before and Mr President said no need to lose hope, we are here to rekindle your hope, bring back the hope.
“With the support that Mr President has given us, there is no need for us to begin to give excuses. I don’t want to say there is money or no money. I am not here to criticise anybody who was here before, mine is that the opportunity the president has given to me, let me utilise it and work for the people.
“We are very dogged in terms of revenue generation and people can see that when we tell them to pay their taxes, we are not just telling them to pay their taxes but to be used to develop their areas. This is not the time when people pay tax and it is not used, but now people can see what the money is being used for”, he added.
Earlier, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the administration was currently constructing 11 kilometres of the 76 kilometre Kuje-Gwagwalada-Rubochi-Abaji-Nasarawa six-lane highway.