By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday commissioned a 470 million dollars water project, Greater Abuja Water Supply Loop 1, 2, 5 and 6, the first in Abuja to serve residents of the Federal Capital Territory. FCT.
President Tinubu who expressed his satisfaction over the much expected water project described it as monumental
effort by the Wike –led Administration to ensure that residents enjoy safe and sufficient water in their homes.
He stated, “We gather to commission a transformative project. The Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, the Loop 1, 2, 5 and 6, a monumental effort that will ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to the homes, institutions, and communities across the capital city. Water is life, it is not a luxury, it is a basic human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.”
Mr. President also commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome Wike for his leaderstyle of delivering the needs of his people.
“Thank you, the team of Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for exhibiting a very great virtue of leadership. This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the need of his people, and he goes about, committed with dedication, to do it. That’s what you have been exhibiting in FCT.”
President Tinubu particularly commended Wike for the equity in distribution of development across the nation’s capital, adding that the water project is one way of renewing the hope of the people.
He said, “This water infrastructure is not only a technical milestone but a moral one because it is about equity, it is about ensuring that no part of Abuja is left behind in our national development agenda.”
“It is a renewal. When we speak of renewal, this is what we mean. A tangible, people-focused project that improves the daily lives of ordinary people here.”
“Water to drink, to clean, to grow, to build. That is a real project. It is a treasure that we always take for granted.”
Mr. President, who reiterated his commitment to accelerate both developmental indices and human capacity, noted that the water project is beyond laying of pipes, but the groundwork for healthier families, stronger communities and a more productive city.
“As your President, I remain committed to accelerating the growth, prosperity, delivery of reliable infrastructure, development of human capacity”, he emphasized.
“I urge all the residents and stakeholders to protect this investment. Use the water wisely and work with government to ensure its sustainability”, he said.
Meanwhile, Barr. Wike appreciated President Tinubu for commissioning the water project and for supporting and encouraging him to hold forte in the FCT.
“Today is the fourth day of the commissioning program. We thank you so much, Mr. President, for the support and encouragement you are giving to us, who are representing you in the FCT.”
Wike disclosed that the Water Project contract awarded eight years after was being Tinubu- led government.
The minister said, ” This contract was awarded in 2017 at the cost of 470 million U.S. dollars. In 2017, under the partnership of African Development initiative, the Chinese government provided 85 percent, while the federal government and FCT provided 15 percent, which is to take care of loops 1, 2, 5, and 6.
Furthermore, the Minister pledged to make visible to residents what Mr. President is doing to enhance the lives of the people.
“Likewise, we’ll do everything possible to make sure that every day, people will be seeing what you are doing in FCT”, he assured.
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