Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies for the upgrading of electricity supply in Abuja using solar power systems.
Wike signed the deal with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China’s capital where both parties agreed to undertake an electricity project within the city and water supply projects especially in rural areas of the city.
According to statement by the Director of press in the Minister’s office Anthony Ogunleye, the FCT Minister was on President Bola Tinubu’s delegation for a State villa in China and participated at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The statement said while signing the documents with the two Chinese companies, Wike explained the selected projects would be completed across the FCT on time for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Abuja.
“The whole area of Maitama, the whole area of Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business Area, the Airport Road, down to Bill Clinton Drive will be handled by CCECC while CGCOC would handle the districts of Mabushi, Katampe, and Garki” the Minister noted.
Speaking further on the provision of water, the Minister said “And then again, we have gone further, you know the Greater Abuja Water Works which is being handled by CGCOC, that has been awarded for years … has reached 75 percent completion. We believe that by the grace of God by this December, or thereabout they would have completed it”.
According to Wike, due to the need to equally ensure water supply in the satellite areas of the FCT, “The President said look, you can’t only provide for the city, you have to talk about the rural areas and so we are keeping up with this idea that there is need to have satellite town water supply in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje. We have now signed the MOU with CGC for them to carry out this assignment”.
He therefore stressed that the projects, which would further ensure the FCT’s development, were pushed by Mr. President at the FOCAC summit as part of his agenda to bring hope back to residents of Abuja.
“One key project which is very dear to us and one of the reasons why we are here today is to light up Abuja because Abuja will be fifty years by next year so it should be a jubilee year for us. And we want Abuja to be like other cities, like what we see in Beijing …we have gone round and we have seen light everywhere and that is how we want Abuja to be.”
While appreciating the quality of work done by CCECC in the execution of projects, the Minister thanked the company on behalf of Mr President for the development of the FCT and Nigeria in general.
Wike also appreciated the company’s efforts in making sure the commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line became possible during the first-anniversary celebration of President Tinubu.
The Minister said the completion of the project was a testament to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the rail is operational due to the efforts of CCEC.
While expressing appreciation to the President for granting the FCTA approval to embark on these very important projects for the FCT, the Minister urged the CGCOC to ensure quick delivery of the project and ensure that water supply in the satellite towns becomes a reality.
In their separate responses, the President of CCECC, Mr. Chen Sichang and the Chairman of CGCOC, Mr. Lan Meizhong both expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed on them to execute the projects, while assuring the Minister of quality and timely delivery of the projects.
The signing of the MoUs is one of the fallouts of the just concluded summit on the Forum for China and Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, China.
President Tinubu had during the summit visited CCECC, and explored areas of cooperation with Nigeria.
On the Minister’s entourage were the Permanent Secretary, Treasury, Alhaji Adamu Wanki, Executive Director, of Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Dr. Mohammed Dan Hassan, Director of Procurement, Alhaji Musa Idris, and other senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
