Contractors handling some of the infrastructure projects in Abuja have committed to completing and handing over the projects in December and January, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said.
The commitments were made on Monday, when the minister inspected some of the ongoing projects across the FCT, including the High Court project, the second bridge around Kubwa and Karaduwa, and the road linking Nile University to Ring Road 2.
The minister said the projects were among those promised to residents of Abuja for completion before the elections, adding that he was encouraged by the progress recorded at the various sites.
“I’m impressed. I came back yesterday and, as usual, I have to go round to check the ongoing projects which were promised to residents of Abuja to be completed before the elections.”
At the High Court project, contractor CGC reaffirmed its commitment to hand over the project by December, according to Wike.
“We visited High Court first and you can see the work going on, quality job being done. And I commend the contractor, CGC, who has repeated this same, by December, that they will hand over that project.”
Wike also inspected the second bridge project around Kubwa and Karaduwa, where he said the contractor had been delayed by heavy rainfall but was expected to commence earthworks once the rains subsided.
“We moved to the site on Kubwa and Karaduwa. Well, the second bridge is ongoing, and they have said but for the heavy downpours, they would have started the earthworks.”
He said the contractor had nevertheless committed to completing the project by January 10.
“However, by the time the rain subsides, they will start heavy earthwork and still promise that to be completed before the elections, of 10th of January.”
At the Nile University-Ring Road 2 project, Wike said the contractor had also given a January completion commitment.
“And now we are here in Nile university, which leads to Ring Road 2. I want to sincerely commend CCC. Last time I came here, I was really worried. I must say the management has committed itself that latest 1st week of January, they would have also handed over this project.”
The minister said the fresh commitments had eased concerns he expressed during his previous inspection of the projects.
“Yes, like I said, last time I came, I was worried, but now I think I’m a bit relieved. With their further commitment, you saw what CGC said, and now CCC has repeated that they will be on course. So, I trust them. This is not the first time. I know that they will do everything possible to hand over this project as agreed.”
Wike said he was particularly encouraged that the projects remained on course for completion before the elections.
“So, I’m very, very happy that we are on schedule, on course, and the promise made by this administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be completed before we go for the general elections. So, I’m very impressed with what. very, very impressed.”
