ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday declared an end to years of neglect suffered by residents of Abuja’s satellite towns as he commissioned a massive water supply network to Karu and surrounding communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town and Environs in Kurudu Community, Tinubu said his administration was fulfilling its promise to take development beyond the city centre and deliver basic amenities to ordinary Nigerians.
“We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long. Today, we declare that the era of neglect for our satellite towns is officially over,” the President said.
Tinubu stated that the project was proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda was producing real results for the people, especially residents who have for decades depended on boreholes and water vendors for survival.
“When we launched the Renewed Hope Agenda, we made a sacred covenant with Nigerians. We promised that governance would no longer be a theoretical exercise while people in the outskirts thirsted for basic amenities. We promised a government that listens, plans and delivers,” he said.
The President disclosed that the water scheme was approved after he directed that the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project should not end in elite districts but be extended to satellite communities where the bulk of Abuja’s working-class population resides.
According to him, the administration ensured prompt funding of the project, allowing contractors, CGC Nigeria Limited, to complete the work ahead of schedule.
“Because we paid on time, the contractors worked on time. Today, we are commissioning over 194 kilometres of secondary and tertiary pipeline networks bringing treated and potable water directly to the doorsteps of Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and neighbouring communities,” he said.
Tinubu also used the occasion to shower praise on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing him as the “Mr Project” of the administration.
“Leadership is not measured by the eloquence of television commentary or empty rhetoric. Leadership is measured by tangible and verifiable impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“What we are witnessing in the FCT today across roads, healthcare, housing, education, transport and now water infrastructure is a testament to what happens when vision meets executive capacity. Thank you, Mr Project, for your leadership,” Tinubu said.
He urged residents to protect the facilities from vandalism and illegal connections, warning that the infrastructure belongs to the people and must be preserved for future generations.
Earlier, Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting people-oriented projects across the FCT, saying the Karu water project was executed in line with the President’s directive to extend infrastructure development to satellite towns.
The minister assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue to implement projects that directly improve their living conditions and economic wellbeing.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a major breakthrough for thousands of residents who have struggled for years without access to reliable potable water.
She said the water network would improve public health, sanitation and economic activities while reducing the burden on families forced to spend huge sums on water.
Mahmoud praised President Tinubu for what she described as visionary leadership and commitment to delivering life-changing projects across the country.
In his presentation, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project connects more than 1,000 distribution lines and will serve Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and adjoining communities.
For many residents, the project marks the end of years of dependence on water vendors and unsafe sources, bringing fresh hope to one of Abuja’s fastest-growing satellite towns.
