METRO

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has flagged off ground breaking contract for the final engineering, design and infrastructure development of Maitama II District, of the Territory.

Speaking during the ceremony, the outgoing FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, said the project at the cost of N184 billion , if completed will open up the Federal Capital City to accommodate the increasing population of the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Bello, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary FCT Administration, Mr Olusade Adesola, said the engineering infrastructure project marks the conclusion of the administration’s actualisation map of developing the territory.

He said the Maitama II District, which covers 780 hectares of land mass on the hills of Maple, will have presidential resort as one of the features to be accommodated.

Bello noted that the administration is conscious of its responsibility to the residents of FCT, for the continuous provision of the requisite engineering infrastructure necessary for the growth of residential, commercial and social services.

He acknowledged the keen interest of the National Assembly in supporting the administration in all stages that led to the approval and award of the contract.

“We are committed to ensuring sustainable funding of the project from our internally generated revenue and other sources”, he stressed.

Ealier, in welcome his remarks, the Executive Secretary Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmed revealed that the contract was awarded to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Nig. Ltd at the contract sum of N184,366,505,342.50, with a completion period of 48 months.

This, Ahmed said was in addition to the numerous other achievements already recorded within the period of the outgoing Minister since he took over the mantle of leadership of the FCTA.

He said: “The District planned to be mixed development with provision for a Presidential resort amongst others.

“It is bounded to the North by Mpape, to the South by Gurku District and the Army Baarracks, to the West by Maitama Extension District and to the East by FCT/Nasarawa State boarder.

“In line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan, infrastructure development of the city is being developed progressIvely to meet-up with the rate of expansion of the City as well as availability of funds.

“The scope of work for the Development of Maitama II District mainly include: Site Clearance and Earthworks Road Works Storm Water Drainage System Cuverts of various sizes Confirmatory Site Tests Waste WVater Drainage System, Water Distribution Network Power Supply and Street Lighting Conduits for Telecommunication”.

Transition: Amb. David, former Aide applauds Bello, FCT Minister

By Stanley Onyekwere

The immediate past Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Ambassador Isaac David has commended the outgoing minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello for finding him worthy to work with his government.

David, in a statement expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work in the service of the FCT Administration.

According to him, “allowing me to work with him was a rare privilege that I had to enthusiastically grab with both hands when the call was made.

“The announcement came at the moment when the least was expected which was evident in the kind of excitement and happiness that enveloped among the original inhabitants of Abuja that the right person who has been championing their course over the years was appointed.

“This reaction from my people was the main reason why I would forever remain grateful to him because it resonated joy, ecstasy, and hope in the land of FCT, and to the glory of God, we were able to better the lives of indigenous, most especially the youth than we met it.

“On this, I shall always remain loyal to you and forever ready to work with you if the opportunity comes again because your simple approaches to affairs of FCT as minister which devoid of high handedness was second to none. You exhibited some characteristics and attitudes that are worthy of emulation as a leader, therefore I pray you to continue to succeed in your future endeavours.”

He said although the official relationship might have been cut off at the moment he is looking forward to continuing with him in a personal relationship because of his good, nice, and straightforward nature which cannot be easily forgotten.

“I am proud of working with you because as a leader, you demonstrated the most sincerity, integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption in discharging your duty, and like that, you inculcated the same among those who worked with you which has hitherto prepared them to fit-in, in any kind of services they are called-up, I pray you to continue to soar higher in the service of this nation,” he said.