By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off the construction of wireless traffic light signals in 98 intersections.
The project is aimed at bringing about ease of traffic and orderliness on roads within the city centres.
At the flag off in Wuye on Tuesday, the minister of FCT Malam Muhammad 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.
He said the project, which is part of the donor project powered by Government of the Peoples Republic of China is an addition to other donor projects for the immense benefit of FCT residents.
Bello who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, expressed hope that on completion, the project will further add to the efforts of the FCT Administration to achieve an efficient and effective traffic management system in the city.
“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.
“On our part, we will ensure an enabling environment for a hitch-free and successful delivery of this project and look forward to its completion and subsequent commissioning”, he stressed.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Adamu Candido, Secretary FCT Transportation Secretariat, on behalf of 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.
He said the Solar Powered Traffic light system has proven to be reliable and energy efficient, especially in the face of rising cost of gas in the global market.
“The major challenge is our resolve to own the project and to commit to protecting it from vandalism, there is already a directive by the Minister that only authorized officials shout be allowed to work on the installations.
“I therefore call on citizen and residents to rise to protect the installations. If you see something unusual taking place, please raise alarm.
Jiang Kai Fong, the Project manager, China Railway Eight Engineering Group Co. Ltd.(CREC No 8) , the firm designated by Chinese Government to implement the 2d Phase of the traffic light project, gave an overview of the project.
