The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) precided over by Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has stated that it made giant strides in infrastructural facilities, security and other social facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Director of Information and Communication, Malam Muhammad Hazat Sule, stated in Abuja on Wednesday that several multi-billion naira projects including the “six major road projects with several interchanges, culverts, and bridges criss-crossing the entire four phases of the Federal Capital City are being executed.
“Also, landmark projects in Satellite Towns are being rapidly developed to the credit of the present FCT Administration.
“These major roads in the city centre include construction of the Southern Parkway (S8/9), stretching from the National Ecumenical Centre/CBN to Ring Road 1(RR1/Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway).
“The Road is a 10-lane freeway traversing the southern development corridor of the city centre (Abuja Central Business District).
“The Parkway encloses the Cultural spine of the city with edifices such as NTA, FCDA Complex, National Ecumenical Centre, National Mosque, National Museum & Millennium Towers, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), National Library, and Yar’Adua Centre, to mention but a few.”
Sule, who pointed out that the on-going projects are clear pointers “to the good intentions of this government, noted that the Parkway is the longest street in Abuja criss-crossing major districts in the Territory adding that “we are equally handling extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), from the outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), at the AYA Bridge in Asokoro to the Southern Parkway.
“This Administration is also working on the construction of the 15km left-hand service carriageway of Outer Southern Parkway (OSEX) Stage 11 from the Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction.”
Another project by the Bello Administration, according to the Director, is the provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye, Jahi and Guzape 11 Districts, as well as undertaking the dualization of the Lower Usuma Dam-Gurara Water Transfer project in Kaduna State.
He added: “Completing these projects is to ensure a pleasurable, safe, and fast movement in and around the city for thousands of commuters, especially during peak hours and to boost economic activities and enhance productivity.
“This Administration’s desire to complete work on the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project and reticulate clean water and safe drinking water to FCT residents isn’t in doubt.
“This ambitious project is expected to provide portable water supply to 50 Districts of the FCC, covering about 1.5 million residents, who are hitherto depending on other sources of water that may not be hygienic and safe for use”.
He also reiterated efforts by the Minister to preserve the aesthetic beauty of Abuja which he described as the fastest growing city in Africa.
On insecurity, Sule attirbuted rising insecurity in FCT to inadequate electricity supply, activities of scavengers and some never-do-well, adding that right now, the entire Abuja is being lit as instead of playing the blame game, had to think outside the box and quickly provide a worthy alternative.
“Today, most of you can see that the stand-alone solar-powered streetlights have been deployed across the city to lit up Abuja, especially at night.
“The FCT Administration has improved security surveillance with the procurement of modern security gadgets and operational equipment for security Agencies in the FCT.
“In the area of Healthcare delivery, efforts are being made to resuscitate the abandoned 240-bed Utako District Hospital; in addition, the Administration has introduced Automated Registration of Private healthcare facilities to check incidences of quackery.
“Also, the Zuba Cottage Hospital has been rehabilitated and upgraded to the status of a General Hospital.”
On Education, Sule said the Abuja University in Abaji would soon come on stream, while the Administration took full measures to ensure that all schools in the Territory are provided with adequate security.
He disclosed that the Bello Administration has also built a modern library at the College of Education, Zuba, in addition to building several classroom blocks for primary and secondary schools across the Territory.
On traffic management, he said the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) had introduced electronic devices for tracking violators so as to bring sanity on Abuja roads.
Other areas of achievement are the on-going construction of the Karshi Road which he said has received the due attention of the Minister.
He appealed to residents of the FCT to pay taxes especially Property Tax (presently, Ground Rent) on which he disclosed that residents were owing over N29 billion.
According to him, if the FCT Administration recover the amount, it would help in the provision of needed services to the people, adding that the Administration was forced to drag the debtors to court over the unpaid taxes.
