The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing construction of the Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa roads as evidence of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to delivering projects with direct impact on the lives of residents.
Wike stated this on Saturday after inspecting the two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by the contractors.
He said the Apo-Karshi road had remained a major concern to residents for years, noting that the project was originally awarded in 2010 and inherited by the present administration.
According to him, the FCT Administration had to terminate the previous contract and re-award the project to SCC because of its importance and persistent complaints by residents.
“You know the Apo-Karshi road has been a topical issue. That was a road that was awarded in 2010 as one of those projects that Mr. President inherited.
“Because of the importance of that road and the complaints by residents, we had to terminate the contract and awarded it to SCC, which we think has the capacity and the capability to complete that job,” he said.
Wike expressed delight that the long-awaited project was now nearing completion, saying residents of Apo and Karshi could finally look forward to enjoying the infrastructure they had demanded for years.
“I thank God Almighty that we are here today. It’s a dream come true that residents of Apo and Karshi are jubilant that all they have been crying for, that this government has come to their aid,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the contractor had projected to complete the Apo-Karshi road by November, expressing confidence that the deadline would be achieved based on the level of work already done.
“The company has said November, and I’m not going to be surprised. You have seen the level of work that SCC has done,” Wike said.
He commended SCC for its commitment to the administration’s infrastructure agenda, stressing that the company had continued working despite issues surrounding payment.
“I know I like to commend people who have shown commitment and support for the administration. SCC is one of those companies that have supported this administration, whether we have paid or not.
“They are always working, knowing fully well that this is a government that will always fulfill their promises,” he added.
On the Bwari-Kubwa road, Wike said the dualisation of the satellite town access road, covering about 14 kilometres, was another major infrastructure intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the project was one that many residents of the area never expected to see, describing its delivery as a demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transforming the FCT.
“Here we are, it’s Buhari to Kubwa. The dualization of the satellite town access road, 14 kilometres. I don’t think the people of this area ever dreamed that there’ll be a road here to Kubwa. Again, it’s part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Wike also linked the projects to the performance of government, arguing that genuine campaigns should be based on tangible achievements rather than promises.
“I have told people, and I’ve said when people have asked me about campaign, I say, ‘What is campaign?’ See the campaign! Campaign is what have you done for the people? What has the government got to show?
“It is not about promises; it’s about really putting in action that things indeed will have a positive impact in the lives of the people.
“And I think the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has done that for the people of Abuja residents,” he said.
