Wike flags off Bwari water project, to provide 1,600 jobs

…assures Satellite Towns of Potable Water by 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the Bwari Township Water Supply Project, with an assurance that all satellite towns in the FCT will enjoy potable water by 2027.

Speaking at the official ceremony in Bwari Area Council, Wike said the project was part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to extend development beyond the city centre to the six area councils.

He stressed that unlike political promises of the past, this one was already backed with action.

“Remember in 2023, when we were appointed, we had stakeholders’ meetings in the six area councils, and I did say that the president is desirous of providing potable, clean water to the satellite towns. When we made that statement, of course, as usual, people will always see it as doing politics. We will ensure that this will be done,” Wike said.

The Minister disclosed that the President had already approved the release of 50 percent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited to guarantee smooth takeoff and early completion of the project.

“The president has mandated that, the contract for this ought to be 18 months, but we discussed with the contractors so that by the third year anniversary of Mr. President, we’ll be able to commission these projects,” he added.

Wike further explained that the administration’s target was to cover all six councils before 2027.

“By the time we finish in Bwari and Karu, in the next year’s budget, by the grace of God, we will be able to go to Kuje and Kwali. And then by 2027, by the grace of God, we’ll have taken over Gwagwalada and Abaji. So by the time Mr. President’s full four-year tenure expires, we’ll have touched all the satellite towns by providing them clean, potable water,” he assured.

He emphasized that the project would reduce residents’ dependence on untreated boreholes and create at least 1,600 direct and indirect jobs.

“This will stop you digging your own boreholes. All you need to do is to just link up to the general water source, and then the water will flow; clean water, treated water, unlike the one we do in our boreholes,” he said.

Wike appealed to traditional rulers, youth, and women in the communities to take ownership of the project and protect it from vandalism.

“This is the first time a government has said, you too deserve to have potable clean water, because water is life. Not just saying it, but implementing it. Be assured that this will not be an abandoned project. We will start and we will complete it,” he said to the cheering crowd.

The Minister also drew excitement from the audience when he echoed their chant of “agreement is agreement,” reminding them that the government was keeping its promise and expecting reciprocal support when the time comes.

“We have agreed that we are going to bring water, and we are bringing water. Is it not? When I come back to say we have performed, you too will perform. Is it not? Agreement is what? Agreement,” Wike stated.

In his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Yonana Dauda, described the project as a strategic infrastructure initiative aligned with the FCT regional master plan.

He said the plan envisions simultaneous development of Abuja city and the satellite towns.

Dauda explained that the project, which extends from the recently completed Greater Abuja Water Supply Scheme, will deliver treated water through 198 kilometres of pipelines to Bwari and adjoining communities including Ushafa, Jigu, Kuduru, and Kuchuku.

“During the construction of this project, it will provide opportunity for jobs directly and indirectly, and when completed, it will provide portable water, thus improving the well-being, health and socio-economic lives of the people,” he said.