By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike on Saturday, September 7, 2024 ,in Beijing, China, entered into agreement with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group as he signed a Memoranda of Understanding, MOU for provision of solar lightnings
and rural water supply in the FCT.
The signing of the MoUs with the two Chinese companies in Beijing, happened during Wike’s visit to China on the entourage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Wike said that the selected projects which cover the whole of Maitama, Asokoro , Wuse, the Central Business Area, the Airport Road, down to Bill Clinton Drive , would be completed in time for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT.
He explained that the solar power projects would be handled by CCECC while CGCOC would handle the districts of Mabushi, Katampe and Garki”.
Speaking on the provision of water, the FCT Minister said “And then again, we have gone further, you know the Greater Abuja Water Works which is being handled by CGCOC, that has been awarded for years, is 75 percent completed. We believe that by the grace of God by this December, or thereabout they would have completed it”.
However, he emphasized the need to equally ensure water supply in the satellite areas of the FCT.
“ The President said look, you can’t only provide for the city, you have to mention the rural areas, and so we are keeping up with this idea that there is need to have satellite town water supply in Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje. We have now signed the MOU with CGC for them to carry out this assignment”, he stated.
According to Wike, the projects, which would further ensure the FCT’s development, were pushed by Mr. President at the FOCAC summit as part of his agenda to bring hope back to residents of the FCT.
Speaking of lighting up the city, he said, ” One key project which is very dear to us and one of the reasons why we are here today is to light up Abuja because Abuja will be fifty years by next year so it should be a jubilee year for us. And we want Abuja to be like other cities, like what we see in Beijing. We have gone round, and we have seen light everywhere, and that is how we want Abuja to be.”
On behalf of Mr. President, Wike appreciated the Chinese Companies for a job well in the development of the FCT and Nigeria.
He also appreciated the company’s efforts in making sure the commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line became possible during the first anniversary celebration of President Tinubu, adding that the completion was a testament to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Daybreak reports that the signing of the MOU is one of the results of the just concluded summit on the Forum for China and Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, China.
The President of CCECC, Mr Chen Sichang and the Chairman of CGCOC, Mr. Lan Meizhong both expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed on them to execute the projects, while assuring the Minister of quality and timely delivery of the projects in the capital territory.
