Abuja: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has commissioned the newly rehabilitated 50 billion Naira Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council. Speaking at the event, Wike disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the flag-off of additional water projects in satellite towns.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Minister explained that the government will commence the Bwari water project on Wednesday, while the Karu water supply project will be flagged off on Thursday. Both initiatives are estimated to cost not less than ?90 billion. He explained further that the Phase 2 rehabilitation, awarded in 2022 at a cost of about ?50 billion, was completed in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritises water as an essential service. The project, Wike noted, will significantly expand the dam’s carrying capacity and boost water supply to Abuja residents.
Wike addressed concerns that the administration is focusing solely on roads, asserting that they are also prioritizing basic infrastructure such as water supply. He emphasized that water is life and that the administration is committed to ensuring residents enjoy this essential service.
The Minister further revealed that Phase 1, Phase 3, and Phase 4 of the Lower Usuma Dam project have already been awarded by the Federal Executive Council, a move he said will further enhance water distribution across the territory. He added that agreements signed with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during President Tinubu’s visit to China in 2023 are geared towards ensuring satellite towns benefit from reliable water supply.
Wike also highlighted the administration’s achievements in education, noting that many schools have been completed, renovated, or are currently undergoing construction across the FCT. He directed the Secretary of Education to make public the comprehensive list of completed and ongoing school projects and to take the media on inspection tours of rural schools to showcase the government’s commitment.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also spoke at the event, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support toward infrastructural renewal and for prioritising critical projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. She urged residents to rededicate themselves to the proper management and sustainability of the water treatment plant, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from the vital infrastructure.