News Agency of Nigeria
Wike inaugurates expansion of Bwari water supply project

Wike inaugurates expansion of Bwari water supply project

Water

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the construction and expansion of water supply networks in Bwari Area Council.

Wike while inaugurating the project on Wednesday in Abuja, assured Bwari residents that the federal government would not start and abandon the project.

He also assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to delivering potable water across Abuja’s satellite towns.

He reminded residents that when Tinubu assumed office, he pledged to make clean water accessible in all satellite towns, a promise the administration is now implementing.

“This will not be an abandoned project. We will start and we will complete it.

“One thing you must give to the president is that, when he makes his promises, he always fulfills his promises.

“Today, we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Karu,” he said.

Wike explained that, although the project was originally designed to run for 18 months, the Federal Government has secured the contractor’s commitment to complete it earlier.

He added that the President approved the release of 50 per cent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited to fast-track delivery.

The Minister emphasised that the initiative would create over 1,600 jobs and eliminate residents’ dependence on untreated borehole water.

He urged traditional rulers, youths, and women to safeguard the project.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud affirmed that access to clean and potable water, would enhance public health and the quality of life.

Mahmoud expressed gratitude to  Tinubu, for his visionary leadership, and for placing critical infrastructure such as water supply at the heart of his Renewed Hope Agenda,.

Also speaking , the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, described the project as part of the FCT Regional Master Plan, to develop satellite towns alongside the city centre.

Dauda added that the scheme, covering over 198 kilometers of pipelines, would serve Bwari Township, Ushafa, Kuduru, Jigo, Kuchuku, and other adjoining communities.

He added that the project, beginning in Bwari and Karu, would be extended to Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji before the end of Tinubu’s tenure.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki, Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG urges World Bank to support dam upgrade, irrigation expansion

FG urges World Bank to support dam upgrade, irrigation expansion

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged the World Bank to increase its support for Nigeria’s plans to upgrade existing dams and develop new irrigation systems.

He said the enhanced support would help advance the Federal Government’s vision of achieving food security and boosting hydropower generation.

Utsev made the appeal on Friday while receiving a World Bank delegation led by its Senior Water Resources Management Specialist, Mr Chinedu Umolu in Abuja.

He noted that the World Bank has played a huge role in supporting Nigeria’s water resources sector by funding transformative projects.

However, he added that additional assistance is now required to meet the growing demands of the agricultural and energy sectors.

“With the administration of President Bola Tinubu fully committed to upgrading existing dams and constructing new ones, there is a pressing need for increased investment in these critical infrastructures.

“This will help scale up irrigation farming, boost food production, generate employment, and enhance hydropower supply,” the minister said.

Utsev added that several states have expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, underscoring the need for more financial backing to allow widespread implementation.

He assured the World Bank of the federal government’s commitment to a smooth rollout of the project and long-term partnership.

In his remarks, Umolu said the visit was to brief the minister on the successful completion of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is set to close in June.

He praised the support of the Tinubu administration and commended Utsev’s proactive leadership in facilitating the commencement of the SPIN project.

“The enthusiasm shown by states in joining the SPIN project speaks volumes about the federal government’s commitment to transforming irrigation and power infrastructure.

“The World Bank remains committed to supporting these efforts to ensure they have lasting impact on the livelihoods of Nigerians,” Umolu said.

The SPIN project is expected to build on the successes of TRIMING, which focused on modernising irrigation systems, improving water management, and increasing agricultural productivity in key farming regions. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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