Infrastructure Projects in FCT to Continue Uninterrupted
FCT Minister Assures Residents of Ongoing Projects
Despite the approaching expiration of the 2024 budget in June, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory will not be stalled. This assurance comes as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, hinted that the administration has already submitted its 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly.
FCT Minister’s Remarks
The minister made these remarks while inspecting some ongoing projects across the city. He emphasized that the administration will not have funding issues by the time the 2025 budget is passed. Wike stated, "As of yesterday, I have sent our 2025 budget as approved by the FCT Executive Committee. By today or tomorrow, Mr. President will transmit it to the National Assembly. The 2024 budget will expire in June, but the funds allocated for these projects are still being utilized. Once the 2025 budget is passed, we anticipate continued progress on all ongoing developments."
Importance of Infrastructure Investment
Wike also highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment, stressing that the completed projects will contribute to economic growth and urban development in the FCT. He emphasized the need for a sustainable approach to project maintenance, revealing plans for a long-term maintenance contract with Julius Berger to address issues of poor maintenance culture.
Maintenance Culture and Plans for ICC
The minister expressed concern about the lack of maintenance culture in the society, stating, "One problem we have in this society is a lack of maintenance culture, which is very bad. When we finish, we are going to have a maintenance contract where people will rent the facility, and the money generated will be used to pay the company that maintains it. Nigeria needs an international conference center of global standards. But first, let us maintain the one we have before we talk about building a second one."
Upcoming Projects and Anniversaries
Wike assured that key road networks, including those linking Maitama and the Judges’ Quarters, would be inaugurated as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-year anniversary. He added that the FCTA remains focused on ensuring that critical projects, including the rehabilitation of the International Conference Center, two interchanges on Wole Soyinka Way (N20), the N16 interchange at NICON Junction, as well as selected projects across the satellite towns, would all be completed and ready for inauguration to mark the president’s second year anniversary.
Conclusion
The FCTA is committed to ensuring that ongoing infrastructure projects are completed and ready for inauguration to mark the president’s second-year anniversary. The administration’s assurance that these projects will not be stalled despite the approaching expiration of the 2024 budget provides relief to residents and stakeholders. With the 2025 budget proposal already submitted to the National Assembly, the FCTA is poised to make significant progress in the coming months.
FAQs
- What is the current status of the 2024 budget?
The 2024 budget will expire in June. - What is the FCTA’s plan for ongoing infrastructure projects?
The FCTA has assured that ongoing infrastructure projects will not be stalled, and progress is expected to continue once the 2025 budget is passed. - What is the FCT Minister’s plan for infrastructure maintenance?
The minister has revealed plans for a long-term maintenance contract with Julius Berger to address issues of poor maintenance culture.
Source: theabujainquirer.com
