FCT minister Nyesom Wike says the long-delayed relocation of Apo Mechanics Village to Wassa has finally been realised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Mr Wike disclosed this after inspecting ongoing projects, including the Wassa informal sector roads, Road CN2 in Katampe, OSEX Main Carriageways and Gaduwa Road, on Thursday in Abuja.

He described the Wassa development as a major breakthrough, adding that successive administrations had unsuccessfully struggled to relocate mechanics and traders from Apo, but the current administration had taken concrete steps to resolve the issue.

“This is another promise made and fulfilled. The issue of Apo Mechanics’ relocation has been a thorny issue since the administration of the FCT, but thank God, under the administration of Bola Tinubu, it is no longer a promise; it is now a fulfilled promise,” he said.

Mr Wike noted that roads within the informal sector site were almost complete, adding that the next phase would include installing solar-powered streetlights and water facilities to support businesses and residents.

“You can see the informal sector. You can see that the roads are almost completed. Very soon, they will start putting up the solar streetlights, and then they will put in the water scheme,” he stated.

The minister said that the development would not only provide a better environment for artisans and traders but also improve the FCT’s internally generated revenue through increased business activity.

At the OSEX Main Carriageway project, Mr Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, particularly the completion of a major bridge that he said exceeded his expectations.

“I was shocked that the bridge had been launched because when we were there last, they said in two to three weeks they would complete it, and I didn’t believe it,” he said.

The minister subsequently directed the extension of the OSEX II road project to Wassa Junction, covering about 10 kilometres, to ease movement and improve connectivity within the area.

He also commended the quality of work on the Road CN2 project near Gishiri, where contractors have commenced installing streetlights and walkways.

(NAN)