By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned projects executed by the Federal Government through the Ecological Fund Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Ashara-Wako, Kwali Area Council Federal Capital Territory with a call to the people to protect the projects.
The project was executed by Masarki Nigeria Limited.
Buhari represented by the Minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammed Bello pointed out that it was the responsibility of the communities to own and manage the projects to ensure their sustainability.
Bello said the project was one of the ecological intervention projects approved by the President for the 1st and 2nd quarters, 2018.
“The contracts for the Phases 1 and 2 were awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the 8th August, 2018 and 28th November, 2018 respectively,” the minister said.
“The importance of the project to the community and the environs cannot be overemphasized as it is expected to address the devastating effects of flooding along the banks of the river.
“In addition, the project was intended to check the very serious erosion of the embankments of the Ashara-Wako bridge, restore vehicular and pedestrian move that was cut off due to erosion as well as reduce dangers to lives and properties in Ashara-Wako and its environs.
He added: “The restoration of pedestrian and vehicular movements will no doubt boost economic activities within the Kwali Area Council.”
In her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office Dr. Habiba Lawal stated that the projects would provide succor to the communities whose lives have been in danger.
She urged the communities to take ownership of the project and ensure their sustainability.
The Permanent Secretary attributed the timely completion of the projects to the effort of the project contractors and consultants who had worked timelessly to ensure minimum loss of time in the project implementation schedule with very close monitoring and prompt honoring of the contractual obligations by the Ecological Fund Office.
The Chairman of Kwali Area Council commended the Federal Government for citing the projects in their domain and pledged to maintain them without abuse.
