..warns contractors against variations of contracts with FCDA Engineers
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike has warned contractors handling the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 35 kilometer road from indulging in variation of the project with FCDA Engineers.
Wike gave this warning on Monday during the Flag-off of the phase one road project at Garki 11.
While speaking, the Minister said,”To the contractors, let me warn you against all these deals you are doing with FCT engineers services will no longer work again.”
“We have the money to pay you. We are going to pay you to ensure that the jobs are done.”
Wike said,”My dear people of FCT President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the minister of state and I to assure you that his Agenda of Renewed Hope works and to tell you the renewed hope is to make FCT work.”
“The Renewed Hope is not just by talking but also putting into practice.”
“That is why we have come to start off with flagging off a number of roads in this area. This is just phase one. In the upcoming weeks we are going to phase 2which is the entire Garki. ”
“This is about road infrastructure. Mr President has promised so many things, just be patient. We are taking it one after the other. l know that Mr. President means well for this country, and that’s why I said to myself I will serve in his cabinet.”
He promised to turn things around for residents but enjoined them to be patient with the administration, Wike emphasized.
The minister thanked the traditional rulers and solicited for their support for the contractors.
Tell your residents and your youths, your residents to support the contractors so they can do the job they are called to do,
The minister promised residents, ” we shall change the face of FCT , but you must be patient. In six months this project will be ready.’
The Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, who spoke earlier, explained that the road resurfacing project is designed to rehabilitate a substantial number of dilapidated roads within the phase one of the FCT, which were developed in the 1980s, to prolong their lifespan.
According to Hadi Ahmed, the project will involve scarification and removal of existing asphalt in some locations, while in other places, it will require milling and asphalt overlay.
He noted that about 135 roads covering 42 kilometers in Wuse, Garki and some areas in Maitama and Asokoro Districts are involved in the rehabilitation and resurfacing exercise, adding that on completion it will improve the flow of traffic in the FCT, reduce travel time and make the roads even safer.
He appreciated the FCT Minister for deeming it necessary to take on the project as a priority, noting that the replacement of gully inlet covers as well as the rehabilitation of drainage systems will also be undertaken.
The FCTA Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud in her remarks said that there has been tremendous positive feedback from residents of the FCT for improvements of streetlights and sanitation in the city and also praised the commitment of the Minister to improving the FCT as no 48 hours passes without project sites being visited.
Mahmoud said, ” With Mr. Project on board in just three weeks in office .
The AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalagu commended the FCT Minister for part of his efforts to improve roads in the FCT and assured him of their massive support for the success of the road projects.
Meanwhile, Wike lambasted the FCDA officials for their lackadaisical attitude towards their duty, especially for not arranging the microphone to work.
How will the FCT , Wike questioned. He therefore warned that such should never happen again.
