By Sarah NEGEDU
Contractors handling the construction of rural roads in the Federal Capital Territory would be made to refund their mobilisation funds, if they breech any of the contract agreement.
This is as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, warned that the administration would accept nothing short of expected quality in all the 18 rural roads slated to be constructed across the six area councils.
The minister who gave the warning during the flag off of the construction of the 9 kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada Area Council on Thursday, said he would personally be supervising the project to ensure they deliver on quality.
Wike, while assuring the contractors that funding would not be a problem said, “Funding will not be a problem but do it well; the people are entitled to quality roads. I will not tell you when I will come here for inspection. I will not also depend on a report from the director overseeing the project. What I will depend on is what I see with my own eyes,” Wike said.
He explained that the project was part of the 30-kilometre roads that would be constructed across the six area councils of the territory to promote rural development.
He added that two additional roads would be constructed in each of the area councils before the end of the year, to make it three rural roads per area council.
According to him, the project will not only address insecurity, but will equally improve access to school, enable movement of farm produce to markets thereby boosting the economic activities if those communities.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, pointed out that the lack of access roads in communities had stagnated development in rural areas.
Mahmoud, said that construction of the rural roads across the six area councils would not only open the rural communities for trade and commerce, but also improve access to market, health care, and education.
“The project is not just about laying down asphalt; it is about connecting communities, improving access, and fostering economic development in our rural areas.
“For too long, the lack of proper road infrastructure has hindered the progress of our rural communities. Farmers have struggled to transport their produce to markets; students have faced difficulties reaching schools; and medical emergencies have been compounded by the challenges of accessing timely healthcare,” she said.
Also, the oversite Director, Satellite Towns Development Department, Dr Olusegun Olusa, said that benefiting communities were selected due to infrastructural deficit.
Olusa added that the project, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, would be delivered before May 29 to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office.
On his part, the Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, commended the minister for paying attention to the needs of rural communities.
He said the Paikon Kore–Ibwa road, when completed, will improve the economic and security situation of the farming community as it will allow access to markets as well as for prompt security intervention when needed.
The Aguma of Gwagwalada, Mohammad Magaji, expressed optimism that the project would fast-track development in rural communities which had eluded local areas for ages.
He announced that the community has bestowed the traditional title of Sarkin Yakin (warlord) Paikon Kore on the minister and awaiting his approval for coronation.
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the project, Ziad Mouannes, promised to deliver the project according to specification. He called for the support of the FCT Administration, particularly in thr area of funding and security to ensure timely completion of the project.
