In a proactive move to advance rural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike has officially inaugurated an emergency construction and rehabilitation project for the nine-kilometer Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council.
The project, launched in Paikon Kore, is a pivotal component of an ambitious plan to construct 30 kilometers of roads across the six area councils in the FCT. Wike emphasized that this initiative aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, assuring residents that tangible actions would accompany the agenda.
The primary goal of this road construction initiative is to enhance the comfort of rural dwellers and open up rural communities for comprehensive development. Wike underscored the importance of addressing rural-urban migration by providing essential infrastructure such as roads and basic amenities, ultimately making life more comfortable for residents.
Wike committed to ensuring that two additional roads would be constructed in each area council before the end of the year, emphasizing the need for a total of three rural roads per area council. He attributed the migration from rural to urban areas to the lack of roads and basic amenities.
The broader objectives of the project include addressing insecurity, improving access to education, facilitating the evacuation of farm produce to markets, and boosting economic activities. Wike assured the contractor that funding would not be a hindrance, emphasizing the paramount importance of delivering quality roads.
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT Minister of State, echoed the sentiment that the absence of access roads in communities had hindered rural development. She emphasized that the rural road construction would not only open up communities for trade and commerce but also enhance access to markets, healthcare, and education.
Oversite Director of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Dr. Olusegun Olusa, specified that the chosen communities faced infrastructural deficits, and the project, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, would be completed before May 29, marking President Tinubu’s one year in office.
Local officials, including Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman Mr. Abubakar Giri and the Chief of Gwagwalada, Mr. Mohammad Magaji, expressed gratitude for the initiative and anticipated improved security, economic benefits, and agricultural development resulting from the completion of the road project.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Setraco Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ziad Mouannes, pledged to deliver the project according to specifications and called for support from the FCT Administration, particularly in funding and security, to ensure timely completion.
