In a bid to ensure ease of traffic and orderliness on Abuja roads, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off the construction of wireless-led traffic light control signals at 98 major intersections within the territory.
The project is part of the donor project powered by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, in addition to other donor projects for the immense benefit of FCT residents.
The FCT minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, while speaking at the commencement of the project yesterday, at Wuye market junction in Wuye district, Abuja, said it has added a needed impetus as the government strives toward building a world-class capital city.
Bello noted that the project also adds value to efforts of managing energy consumption needs as the traffic control signals will utilize wireless LED energy-saving illumination.
Represented by the FCT permanent secretary, Olusade Adesola, the minister expressed hope that on completion, the project will further aid efforts by the FCT administration to achieve an efficient and effective traffic management system in Abuja.
“Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with an equally fast-growing population. This rapid growth has put enormous pressure on city Infrastructure including those dedicated to traffic management,” he said.
Earlier, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, secretary, FCT transportation secretariat, on behalf of the FCT permanent secretary, disclosed that the story of the project started in 2012, during the 4th ministerial conference of the forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) when the Chinese government assented to the request to help the Nigerian government construct solar powered wireless traffic control signals at 74 intersections in Abuja.
He said the solar powered traffic light system has proven to be reliable and energy efficient, especially in the face of the rising cost of gas in the global market.