The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the construction and expansion of water supply networks in Bwari Area Council.

Mr Wike, while inaugurating the project on Wednesday in Abuja, assured Bwari residents that the federal government would not start and abandon the project.

He also assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to delivering potable water across Abuja’s satellite towns.

He reminded residents that when Mr Tinubu assumed office, he pledged to make clean water accessible in all satellite towns, a promise the administration is now implementing.

“This will not be an abandoned project. We will start, and we will complete it.

“One thing you must give to the president is that, when he makes his promises, he always fulfils his promises.

“Today, we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Karu,” he said.

Mr Wike explained that, although the project was originally designed to run for 18 months, the federal government has secured the contractor’s commitment to complete it earlier.

He added that the president approved the release of 50 per cent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited to fast-track delivery.

The minister emphasised that the initiative would create over 1,600 jobs and eliminate residents’ dependence on untreated borehole water.

He urged traditional rulers, youths, and women to safeguard the project.

In her remarks, FCT minister of state, Mariya Mahmoud, affirmed that access to clean and potable water would enhance public health and the quality of life.

Ms Mahmoud expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu for his visionary leadership and for placing critical infrastructure, such as water supply, at the heart of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also speaking, the acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, described the project as part of the FCT Regional Master Plan to develop satellite towns alongside the city centre.

Mr Dauda added that the scheme, covering over 198 kilometres of pipelines, would serve Bwari Township, Ushafa, Kuduru, Jigo, Kuchuku, and other adjoining communities.

He added that the project, beginning in Bwari and Karu, would be extended to Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji before the end of Mr Tinubu’s tenure.

(NAN)