Developing Story: Abuja Access Roads Ready For Rapid Reconstruction
● Wike vows there will be no variation in contract costs;
● Pleads with commuters, motorists to be patient;
● Says roads under construction would be closed to traffic
By Jonas Happy
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State, FCT, exchange views during the official flag-off of the rehabilitation of Abuja roads at Garki on Monday.The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike has turned intense attention to the reconstruction of access roads within the nation’s capital.
The Minister Monday flagged off construction work on a number of roads in Abuja.
Under the plan which is to be phased out, a total of 135 roads are to be rehabilitated.
They would be closed to traffic when contractors engaged by the FCTA swing into action.
Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister speaking at the flag off ceremony.Speaking at the flag off ceremony on Monday, Wike emphasized that the move to provide infrastructure is part of the efforts by the FCT to fulfill promises made to the Nigerian people by President Bola Tinubu.
“The FCT minister of state and I are here to assure you that his (Tinubu’s) agenda of Renewed Hope works and to let you know that the FCT is working.
“The agenda of Mr President is not just by talking [but also in doing]. And that is why we have come to start with flagging off a number of roads in this area,” the Minister revealed.
Wike declared, “This is just phase one. In the next few weeks, we go to phase two. This is about road – infrastructure. So many things Mr President has promised, we are taking them one after the other.
The former Governor of Rivers State said while performing the ceremony that contractors handling the projects have six months to complete the job.
Some of the residents of the FCT who turned out to be part of the flag-off ceremony.He appealed to residents of the Federal Capital Territory to exercise patience, assuring them that their sacrifice within the period would not be vain.
The Minister warned there will be no variation in the cost of the road projects, saying that the government would take delivery of the said roads within the time specified on the contract agreement.
“There is no variation in this job. We have the money to pay you. If you like, go to engineering services and do anything with them. It will not work.
“We are paying you your money and I assure you that nobody will owe you a dime. We are going to pay you and you must finish within the time we have agreed with you.”