Wike confirms payment of compensation for Wassa, Life Camp

…says Gishiri to be settled this week

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the payment of compensation to affected residents in Wassa and Life Camp, assuring that the settlement process in Gishiri will be completed before the end of the week.

He made this disclosure during a routine inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work being executed by contractors, including Julius Berger and CGC, particularly in road construction.

He noted that the progress aligns with the set target and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the projects are completed by May this year.

Speaking on the ongoing resettlement efforts, the minister emphasized that adequate funding has been provided to facilitate compensation payments.

“For now, the resettlement department has said that the one in OSEX to Wassa has been done. Where we are standing now in Life Camp has been done. Then, the one at Gishiri, that one has over 500 meters. We believe that before the end of the week, we would have settled that area. So, we are already repaying the compensation. The funds have been made available.” he stated.

Wike highlighted the importance of proper fund management, stressing that when contractors are assured of timely payments, they are more willing to deliver quality work.

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He also commended the cooperation of host communities, acknowledging their role in ensuring that construction activities remain uninterrupted.

“I’m quite impressed with the speed of work by the various contractors, particularly those who are carrying out road construction, Julius Berger, CGC, as we saw, and quite impressive, quite impressive.

“I believe that we are going to meet up, like they promised, by the grace of God, by May this year.

“Look at the judges’ quarters, the FCT, the Federal High Courts, and the Court of Appeal. It’s really amazing with the level they’ve got it to. That’s what I’ve always said. with proper management of funds, contractors are willing to put in their best.

“When they see that funds are coming, they will not hesitate to work, and again, like I’ve said, due to competent contractors, with the kind of equipment you have seen, nobody will tell you the different story.

“Also, the support of the community to make sure that the work is not stopped. For their cooperation, we intend to thank them, and this is what we expect from them, too. So, I’m very happy with what I’ve seen.”

Addressing concerns about waste management in the FCT, the minister clarified that Abuja remains relatively clean, but satellite towns continue to face challenges.

He disclosed that the selection of new contractors for waste management services was almost complete, adding that only those capable of delivering quality service would be engaged.

According to him, waste disposal in satellite towns has been a major issue, with refuse often littering the streets.

“Abuja is quite clean. I’m not impressed with the contractors handling waste in satellite towns. As I speak to you now, I think we are almost done with the selection of the contractors that will be carrying out the waste management.”

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure development and maintaining a clean environment across the FCT, Wike assured residents that his office would continue to monitor progress and ensure that all projects and compensations are handled efficiently.