The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a major water supply project to serve Karu, Orozo, Kurudu, and neighbouring communities in Abuja.

Speaking during the project inauguration on Thursday, Mr Wike urged residents to support leaders who delivered tangible development, rather than those who merely engaged in rhetoric.

He said, “Support those who have the capacity to bring something to the people, not those who only go on television to talk. Leadership must be measured by impact. Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the FCT has seen both road infrastructure and now the prioritisation of potable water for satellite towns.’’

Mr Wike also pledged to construct a two-kilometre road in Karu Site, stating, “Consider it done.”

He credited his commitment to the project to the advocacy of Philip Aduda and hailed the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) for facilitating several road projects across the council.

Mr Wike stated, “This government made promises, and today, you can see them being fulfilled. Unlike those who stayed in power for years and did nothing, President Tinubu’s administration is here to provide what you were denied for decades.’’

Emphasising the significance of the water initiative, Mr Wike added, “Water is life. It is even more important than roads because we cannot do without it. By June 2026, by God’s grace, you will all have access to treated water and no longer rely on unsafe boreholes.”

He noted that Mr Tinubu had approved a 60 per cent advance payment to the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, significantly reducing the project timeline from 18 months to June 2026.

Also speaking, FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, described water as essential for life and development.

She said, “Water sustains human health, supports agriculture, drives industry, and maintains ecosystems,” expressing appreciation to the president for turning the Renewed Hope Agenda into projects that directly impacted rural communities.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, described the Karu water project as a strategic initiative aligned with the Abuja Master Plan.

He said the project was part of the broader Greater Abuja Water Supply Project commissioned in June.

According to him, it includes the supply and integration of approximately 195 kilometres of pipeline, ranging from 60 mm to 600 mm in diameter, alongside essential fittings.

Mr Dauda explained that the project aimed to expand access to potable water in Karu, Kurudu, Jikwoyi, and other AMAC communities while creating employment opportunities.

He appealed for community cooperation to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of the project, which he said would significantly enhance public health and wellbeing. 

(NAN)