By Sarah NEGEDU
Some rural roads in the nation’s capital will be wearing a new look from December this year, as contractors handling the projects have assured of timely completion.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while inspecting some of the ongoing projects on Wednesday, expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver on agreed timelines.
Recall that the minister had in February 2024, inaugurated the construction of several road projects in satellite towns and rural communities across the six area councils of the territory.
The projects, meant to transform rural economies and improve the quality of rural dwellers, were expected to be completed in December.
Some of the projects inspected on Wednesday included the ongoing Dutse – Bwari road resurfacing and the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.
The minister also inspected the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita–Yebu and the 11km Yangoji–Sukuku–Eba road projects, in Kwali Area Council.
According to the minister, “You know we had heavy rains this year, and we gave contractors December to complete the projects, but you can see the level of job they have done; quality job, and this is in rural areas.
“We are still working on the December dateline. I don’t want to say that the roads would not be completed. I don’t want to be pessimistic.
“I have seen the contractors, and they told me that they will complete the roads hand them over to us in December; let us keep to it. I think there is no need to doubt them.
“In as much as we do our own part, I am sure they will also fulfil their own promise,” Wike said.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of the projects inspected so far, adding that when completed, the roads would have a positive impact on benefiting. communities.
“When you see contractors who are committed, you on your own part, as government, will also carry out your own obligation by making sure they are funded in order to complete the roads and make the people happy,” he said.
He added that the expanse of land in rural communities, if properly harnessed, would address the problem of food security in the FCT.
On what is in store for other communities in the FCT, the minister pointed out that government was continuum, adding that the current administration would do all it can to reach many communities with life-impacting projects.
He assured that President Boal Tinubu-led administration would complete all projects embarked upon, while the next administration would continue from the administration stops.
“We cannot solve all problems. Even if you are in office for 20 years, there will still be problems, but what is important is that people can see that you are making efforts to reduce their burden.
“That is what is important. So, like I said before, all areas in Abuja, be it in the city, be it in satellite towns, will all feel the impact of this government,” he said.
