Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday blasted two officials of FCT Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) over illogical award of a road project in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
The officials are the coordinator of the department, Mr Zulkiflu Abdulkadir and the department’s Director, Regional Infrastructure, Mr. Nathaniel Edor.
Wike cautioned the duo at the inauguration of the construction of 15.5-kilometre Pai – Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council of FCT.
He explained that the duo awarded the contract for the construction of a road connecting Pai and Gomani while the road from the Abuja – Lokoja Expressway (A2) to Pai was not awarded.
The Minister, who asked them to come out and face the people said: “this is why it is difficult for this country to move forward.
“While we were coming from the expressway, called A2 to Pai, they refused to award that contract but instead awarded the contract from Pai to Gomani.
“Now, if you construct the road from Pia to Gomani, how do you come to Pai, when that road is not motorable?
“Whoever masterminded this; you are not being fair, and we cannot continue this way. The truth must be told at all times.”
To address the issue, Wike said he has made a call for a virement for some funds to be able to construct the road from A2 to Pai as an emergency project.
“We are all humans. How will these people feel that you are passing their community and there is no road, and after passing their community you are awarded a contract for construction of the road?”
He assured residents of area councils that President Bola Tinubu-led administration was inclusive, adding that everybody participates and benefits from the dividend of democracy.
He added that all the area councils would feel the impact of Tinubu administration.
The Minister said: “I took the position to support Mr President to improve on the infrastructure of the FCT and that is why everyday our concern is infrastructure, infrastructure, and infrastructure; be it in the city; be it in the rural areas”.
He said that the communities from the expressway to Gomani were blessed with arable land for agricultural production.
Wike said that the project, when completed, would boost agricultural production in the area.
The council Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya, thanked the Minister for all the support to the area councils in terms of infrastructural development.
Chiya said that the area councils were executing some projects because Wike does not interfere with their allocations and invited him to find time to come and see some of the projects.
Sen. David Jimkuta, Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, said that the road, when completed, would connect the area councils to the city centre.
Jimkuta added that with the ongoing development of social infrastructures, residents would live anywhere in the FCT and be comfortable.
He pledged continued support of the Senate to the FCT Minister’s efforts to transform the FCT to make life comfortable for all residents.
