The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to completing all abandoned projects in Abuja, stating that this forms a key part of the administration's policy direction.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II on Friday, Wike emphasized that the completion of the road project demonstrates the government's determination to finish what it started.
The commissioned road, popularly known as the Apo-Wasa Road, stretches from Ring Road 1 Junction to Wasa Junction. According to Wike, the project was initially awarded in 2017 at a cost of $6 billion but saw a variation to $21 billion in 2021.
"However, contractors were not on site. Why? Money was not being paid to the company," Wike explained, highlighting the challenges that led to the project's abandonment before his tenure.
Commitment to Project Completion
The FCT Minister clarified the administration's approach to infrastructure development, stating: "It's part of the policy to make sure that every project that has been abandoned and left unattended is completed."
"It is important to give this clarification for people to know that part of the policy is not just to award contracts for awarding sake, but we have said it times without number that every project whether awarded in your tenure or during your predecessors' must be completed. And this is one of those projects that is being completed," he added.
Wike also mentioned that people affected by the FCT road project had been adequately compensated, addressing concerns about the social impact of the development.
The commissioning of the Apo-Wasa Road represents a significant milestone in the FCT administration's efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve transportation within the nation's capital.
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