Says no further augmentation as project fund has been fully made available
- Safiu Kehinde
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has flagged off third FCT Bus Terminal Construction Project.
The event which was held at the Central Business District area of Abuja, saw Wike declared the commencement of the CBD bus terminal project, a month after similar flag off event of Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals.
In his address, Wike recounted bus terminal experience abroad and the value it adds to a city.
“Some of us who have had the privilege of travelling oversees and to other countries, when we see some of these facilities, I think what comes to mind is why is it that we cannot also have the same facillity that we enjoy when we go outside the country.
“Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through the support of Mr. President, we are continuing to expand the road infrastructure.” He said.
The FCT Minister, however, stressed further that the expansion of road infrastructure will be impossible wthout the bus terminals.
Wike added that the bus terminals will also curb the rate of one-chance criminal activities in the capital city.
“Yet if we expand the road infrastructure without linking it with the various bus terminals, I don’t think we can achieve what we should achieve.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and and improve our transport system. It is going to cut off this so called one-chance crime that is always committed.
“I can assure you by the grace of God that this Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, I have said severally and I will continue to say, it is not just by talking, it is by showing. Seeing is believing.” He continued.
Meanwhile, Wike disclosed that the fund for the project awarded to Planet Projects Limited, the builder of the Oshodi Bus Terminal, has been fully made available as there will be no room for augmentation.
“This is not a project that is being awarded and then we say there are no funds. We have told the contactor that there is no argumentation.
“We are not going to do any augmentation. I am not going to rush back to the Federal Executive Council or Mr. President that please, augmentation. The money is being provided.
“I have told the contractor, the funding of this project won’t be a problem. So do all you can and tell us when the next payment will be. You are assured that you will get your money. FCT does not carry out project where the fund is not there.
“We are not going to award contract to satisfy people. We must award contract when we know the funding is there.” Wike concluded.
Other dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremony include, the Minister of FCT (State), Mariya Mahmud, Rep. Muktar Aliyu, Planet Projects CEO, Abiodun Otunola, and other members of the House of Representatives.