Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the reconstruction and dualisation of the Karu-Nyamanya Road would transform the area from a neglected satellite town into a proper city, fulfilling a key promise of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wike made the declaration yesterday during the project’s official flag-off ceremony in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where he was greeted by a large crowd of residents.
The minister praised the community for their support and issued a firm charge to the contractor, even as he announced the immediate inclusion of five additional roads in the area in the reconstruction project.
Speaking directly to the constituents, Wike emphasised the covenant between the elected and the electorate.
“You have to hold us accountable. When you have fulfilled part of your covenant by voting for people, ask them questions. You told us ‘we won’t vote for you, this is what you are going to do for us.’ Have you done it?” he said.
He positioned the project as a direct fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to develop both the city centre and the satellite towns.
“Mr. President made a promise that he was going to develop the city, and at the same time develop the satellite area,” Wike said.
The minister further expressed his belief that Karu’s status has been undervalued due to its infrastructure deficit. “I don’t know why they should include Karu as a satellite town.
“As far as I am concerned, Karu is a city. The only problem that it has been associated with a satellite town is because of the bad roads. Now the roads will come up as good roads,” he proclaimed.
He credited the AMAC chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, for relentless advocacy that led to the project’s approval.
“The chairman of AMAC has always been on my neck. He has always told me, ‘Sir, do me that favour.’ Because he is a young man who has been very supportive, we felt that it would be better to encourage him,” he said.
Wike also acknowledged the input of the former senator for the FCT, Philip Aduda, who he said provided valuable technical advice on the project’s scope the night before the ceremony.
“I know he means well for his people. I concede that to him,” Wike said.
The minister warned the contractor, TEC Engineering Ltd, against using the rainy season as an excuse for delays, revealing that he had already approved a payment for the project.
“As I was just coming, I have put some payment for you. So there is nothing like ‘it’s raining.’ If it is raining, don’t take the money. So now that you are collecting the money the day it rained, you must also work when it is raining,” he said.
He gave a ten-month deadline for the completion of all the roads, which now include the Custom Clinic Junction to CBN Quarters and EFCC roads, NIA Quarters Road, Karshi Road, and Primus Hospital Road. All roads will be equipped with street lights.
Wike directed his speech to residents of the area, saying, “In politics, if you fall for me, I fall for you. If you do for me, I do for you. I also hope you remember the man who does not allow me to sleep. That is Maikalangu. Remember him when the time comes.”
The project is expected to significantly ease the perennial traffic gridlock in the Karu-Nyanya axis, boost economic activities, and improve the quality of life for residents.
