By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Administration yesterday Flagg Off construction of Wuye wireless led Traffic light control signal at 98 major intersections in Abuja.
The project which is powered by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is to ensure ease of traffic and orderliness on Abuja roads is among other projects for the benefit of residents.
Speaking at the flag -off of the project yesterday, at Wuye
Market Junction, in Wuye District, Abuja, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, said it is an added drive as the government strives towards building a world class capital city.
Bello who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary , Mr
Olusade Adesola 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.
The Minister expressed hope that on completion, the project will further aid efforts by the FCT Administration to achieve an
efficient and effective traffic management system in
Abuja.
“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”, the minister promised.
In his welcome address, Hon. 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 at 74 intersections in Abuja.
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.
Candido however noted that the major challenge is ownership of the project by residents who are committed to protecting it from vandalism.
“I therefore call on citizen and residents to rise to protect the installations. If you see something unusual taking place, please raise alarm, he said.
Jiang Kai Fong 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.
