A new 9-kilometer road has reconnected 70 communities in the Gwagwalada area council of Abuja, significantly improving access in the region following the completion of the Paikon Kore-Ibwa road project.
Previously, residents of the villages located between Paikon Kore and Ibwa were isolated due to a severely deteriorated road and an ageing link bridge that hindered their access to other parts of the territory.
However, the recent construction of the access road, funded by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has transformed the situation.
The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike had in February 2024, officially launched the project, instructing contractors to deliver the work promptly.
Residents, primarily farmers, said that the new road has not only enhanced connectivity but has also boosted their livelihoods by providing better access to markets for their agricultural products across the FCT.
Mr Ibrahim Maikeri, the community liaison officer for the project, shared insights with journalists during their visit to the impacted areas.
He explained that over 70 communities along the road have experienced significant benefits from its construction.
“The Paikon Kore-Ibwa road had been neglected for over 50 years since it was initially built,” Maikeri explained. “Farmers struggled to transport their goods due to the poor state of the road.
“The road has been in disrepair since before the Federal Capital Territory was established in 1976, and it remained in that condition until its recent reconstruction. Thanks to the FCTA and Minister Wike, who prioritized this project, our community can thrive again,” he said.
“The improved road will foster better interaction among communities and facilitate the transport of our agricultural produce. Additionally, it will help mitigate some security challenges we’ve faced,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude for the reconstruction of the bridge linking the two communities, noting that it has made it easier for students to attend schools in neighboring villages.
Also, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, the Aguma of Gwagwalada and Chairman of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, commended Wike for his ongoing commitment to various projects throughout the Federal Capital Territory.
One of the palace chiefs, Umar-Faruk Abubakar, voiced appreciation for the minister’s focus on addressing previously neglected projects in Gwagwalada.
Abubakar said, “Traveling to Ibwa used to be a daunting task, sometimes requiring a helicopter. Now, thanks to Minister Wike’s efforts, we can make the journey from Paikon Kore to Ibwa in just 10 to 15 minutes. We are immensely grateful.”
Setraco Nigeria Ltd., the contractor for the project, announced the completion of construction two weeks ahead of the December deadline, with the project now handed over to the Satellite Towns Development Department.
Senior project manager Senaka Rupanetti credited the swift progress to community cooperation and the support received from the FCTA.
“This was an emergency project; we were tasked to complete it by year-end, and thanks to early funding from the minister, we were able to expedite our work,” Rupanetti stated.
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