Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has inaugurated the rehabilitated ₦50 billion Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, as part of efforts to improve water supply in the FCT.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Phase II rehabilitation of the Lower Usman Dam in Ushafa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Wike emphasised that the ₦50 billion project, awarded in 2022, highlights the president’s dedication to prioritising essential services for the residents.
Wike disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the flag-off of additional water projects in satellite towns.
According to him, the Government will begin the Bwari water project on Wednesday, while the Karu water supply project will be flagged off on Thursday. Both initiatives are estimated to cost not less than ₦90 billion.
He explained that the Phase II rehabilitation, awarded in 2022 at about ₦50 billion, was completed in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritizes water as an essential service.
The project, Wike noted, would expand the dam’s capacity and increase water supply to Abuja residents.
“Some people have accused us of focusing only on roads, but beyond roads, we are also working on basic infrastructure like water supply. Water is life, and this administration is committed to ensuring residents have access to this service,” Wike said.
The minister also revealed that Phase 1, Phase 3, and Phase 4 of the Lower Usuma Dam project have already been approved by the Federal Executive Council, a move he said will further improve water distribution across the territory.
He added that agreements signed with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during President Tinubu’s visit to China in 2023 are also aimed at ensuring satellite towns receive reliable water supply.
Wike also noted the administration’s progress in education, saying many schools have been completed, renovated, or are under construction across the FCT.
He directed the Secretary of Education to publish a list of completed and ongoing school projects and to take the media on inspection tours of rural schools to demonstrate the government’s commitment.
“This administration is not only developing the city centre but is also bringing infrastructure to the satellite towns. Our goal is to make life easier for all residents of the FCT,” Wike said.
Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT, commended President Tinubu for his support of infrastructure renewal and for prioritizing projects that directly affect the lives of citizens.
She urged residents to commit to the proper management and sustainability of the water treatment plant to ensure future generations benefit from this infrastructure.
