Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group for the lighting up of the FCT, using solar power and ensuring rural water supply.
Wike while signing the documents with the two Chinese companies in Beijing, China as part of his visit to the country on the entourage of President Bola Tinubu for the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), said the selected projects would be completed across the FCT in time for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT.
He explained that the whole area of Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business Area, the Airport Road, down to Bill Clinton Drive will be handled by CCECC, while CGCOC will handle the districts of Mabushi, Katampe and Garki.
“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 per cent completion. We believe that by the grace of God by this December, or thereabout they would have completed it,” he said.
On the need to equally ensure water supply in the satellite areas of the FCT, the minister said, “The President said look, you can not 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”.
The minister explained that the projects, which would further ensure the FCT’s development, were pushed by President Tinubu at the FOCAC summit as part of his agenda to bring hope back to residents of the FCT.
While speaking on lighting up the city, Wike said, “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 50 years by next year, so it should be a jubilee year for us.
“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,” he said.
While appreciating the quality of work done by CCECC in the execution of projects, the minister thanked the company on behalf of the president for the development of the FCT and Nigeria in general.
He 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.
Wike who also appreciated President Tinubu for granting the FCTA approval to embark on these very important projects for the FCT, urged the CGCOC to ensure quick delivery of the project and ensure that water supply in the satellite towns becomes a reality.
In separate responses, the president of CCECC, Mr Chen Sichang, and the chairman of CGCOC, Mr Lan Meizhong, both expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in 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 outcomes of the just concluded summit on the Forum for China and Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, China, during which President Tinubu during the summit visited CCECC and explored areas of cooperation with Nigeria.
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