By Laide Akinboade, Abuja 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita to Yebu Road in Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

Wike said while inaugurating the project in Kwali on Thursday, that the measure was part of President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to transform rural infrastructure for inclusive development.

He said that the project was awarded at the cost of N7 billion, adding that over 50 per cent of the fund had been provided in the budget.

‘This is the eight time I have visited FCT area councils with respect to infrastructure projects.

“I have been to the six area councils to inaugurate construction of road projects and was at Kwali to inaugurate a completed bridge.

“Today, I am in Kwali again, to inaugurate the reconstruction of a road project.

“This is in fulfilment of Tinubu’s promise to transform rural communities and equip them with basic infrastructure,” he said.

He said that the project could not be completed by previous administrations because the needed funds were not provided.

The minister, who reviewed the project completion timeline from 18 months to 12 months, assured the residents of Kwali that the project would be completed as scheduled to renew their hope in governance.

He particularly said that rural dwellers would not be abandoned by the Tinubu-led administration because the larger chunk of votes during elections came from rural communities.

Wike said that apart from road projects, the rehabilitation of schools was ongoing, adding that contracts would soon be awarded for another set of 20 schools.

He commended former Sen. Philip Aduda, who represented the FCT in the 9th Assembly for remaining connected to his people despite losing reelection in 2023, and urged him to continue relating with his people.

This, according to him, is what politics entails, saying “I will work with those who work with the people and those who connect with their people,”.

The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Mr Danladi Chiya, commended Wike for his rural infrastructural transformation agenda.

Chiya said that the road had been in a bad shape for over a decade.

He said that the reconstruction of the road would significantly ease the movement of people and produce in affected communities.

Earlier, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, said that the project would open up rural communities, satellite towns and area councils of the FCT in general.

“For the record, this is the 7th inauguration of construction of rural projects across the six area councils since Wike assumed office as minister of the FCT, 11 months ago,” he said.

On his part, the traditional leader of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan, the Etsu of Kwali, said that the reconstruction of the road would restore the lost hope of the people on the governance of FCT.

Nizassan recalled that the road was awarded in 2005 but the contractor abandoned the site after working for three months.

He added that after a series of advocacies and petitions, the contractor returned to site in 2012 only to abandon the site again.

“The people of the affected communities have lost hope. We are thankful for coming to restore the lost hope.

“The road, If completed, will ease transportation and enhance economic activities in the area, linking Kwali Area Council to Abaji and Kuje area councils, including Nasarawa state.

“We are confident that you will not abandon the project, but deliver it in 18 months as promised,” the traditional leader said.