•Lack of funds delayed review- FCDA
By Sarah NEGEDU
The Nyesom Wike led Federal Capital Territory Administration is looking to review the Abuja Master Plan to enable the city adjust to current realities.
Though no tentative date has been fixed for the review, officials say the administration will ensure one is carried out soon, as the expected period for the second review of the Abuja Master Plan is 50 years from creation.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, who ascribed the delay in implementation of the second review to lack of funds, said the document was not sacrosanct, as it is due for review.
Ahmad, who disclosed this at the FCTA Annual Media Retreat held in Keffi, on Saturday, stressed that city development standards and regulations prescribes the periodic review of any city plan.
Represented at the retreat by the Head of Public Relations, FCDA, Mr. Richard Nduul, the Executive Secretary noted that the designs of some districts are already being captured in the planned review so as to meet with current realities on ground.
According to him, “There are provision for a comprehensive sewage system that will eliminate the need for soakaway in the FCT. The same applies to water distribution. By the time the Abuja Water project comes in place, people will forget about the need for boreholes for their houses as they will just connect to the central supply line.”
He added that, “by the time all these come on ground, the issue of water pollution caused by soakaway located close to boreholes, will be a thing of the past as the city will have enough facilities to take care of those needs and residents will be able to connect to central facilities.”
Earlier, while declaring the retreat open, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, pointed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu does not only entail economic advancement, but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems.
Wike said the recent steps taken by the FCT Administration to bolster its Internally Generated Revenue, signify a commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
He said boosting FCTA’s IGR is a testament to the dedication in fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on federal allocations.
The Minister who was represented by the Director Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, hailed journalists for effective grasping of issues confronting FCTA and how to tackle them.
He said, the theme for this retreat which is “Building an Environment That Benefits a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management is apt, as it emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and effective city management in our collective pursuit of progress.
“I commend your dedication in orchestrating this insightful gathering. which aligns seamlessly with our aspirations for a brighter future that resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“President Tinubu’s vision in the Renewed Hope Agenda embodies the essence of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth. It is an agenda that emphasizes not only economic advancement but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems and the empowerment of our people.
“As stewards of this vision, it is incumbents upon us to translate these aspirations into tangible actions that positively impact the lives of our citizens.
“It is a stride towards financial autonomy, allowing us greater flexibility in implementing developmental projects that directly benefit the residents of our city.
“The concept of a smart city is not merely an ambitious vision but an imperative step towards ensuring sustainable urban development and an enhanced quality of life for our citizens. It involves the integration of technology, innovation, and strategic planning to create an environment that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.
“Our commitment to creating an environment that benefits a smart city necessitates multifaceted efforts. It involves not only leveraging technological advancements but also prioritizing health and well-being at every level of urban planning. Initiatives such as accessible green spaces, efficient waste management, sustainable transport systems, and promoting healthy lifestyles contribute significantly to this vision”.
He urged residents to leverage the FCTA’s steps towards increased IGR to propel the territory into a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, adding that the decision to exit the TSA and establish the Civil Service Commission, among other reforms, is a strategic move towards efficiency and transparency that will ensure that the FCTA fulfils its mandate to the citizenry.
“While we pledge to meet our obligations to the residents, permit me to use to use this occasion to implore all residents to fulfill their civic duties, including the timely payment of taxes, such as the round rent, tenement rates and utility bills.
“It is disheartening to witness flagrant violations of basic rules, such as traffic light violations and driving against traffic. Henceforth, these actions will no longer be tolerated, and mandated penalties will be rigorously enforced. Let us work together to build a city where both the government and the public uphold their respective responsibilities for the betterment of our beloved Federal Capital Territory and I urge the media to help us in getting this message across to all and sundry”.
