FG HANDS OVER COMPLETED ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS TO FCT COMMUNITY

FG HANDS OVER COMPLETED ECOLOGICAL PROJECTS TO FCT COMMUNITY

The Federal Government of Nigeria has on 16^th April, 2019, commissioned and handed over two of its completed ecological projects in Kurudu, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The projects involved the evacuation / reclamation and establishment of Integrated Solid waste management facility including auxiliary works and the gully erosion control and Road improvement works at Army Post Service Estate all in Kurudu, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Abuja.

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu expressed optimism that with the completion of the Gully and the environmental hygiene projects, the members of the estate would be greatly relieved of their past ugly experiences.

Mr. President reiterated his administration’s resolve that no part of the country would suffer neglect owing to its geographical location or political consideration. While applauding the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ecological Fund Office, the contractor and consultant for the job well done, Mr. President charged the members of the community to cherish the projects by preventing indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage channels. He implored them to own and maintain the projects to ensure their sustainability.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal thanked the members of the community for their cooperation with the contractor in ensuring that the projects were completed without hitches.

She reiterated that the purpose of the ceremony was to enable the Estate take over and exercise ownership of the projects to ensure maintenance and sustainability.

While insisting that the resources which the Federal Government had committed to the projects must not be allowed to waste, Dr. Lawal requested that the reclaimed site must not be left vacant to avoid further dumping of waste but be used for developmental activities.

Explaining the work scope, the consultant to the project indicated the following as the approved scope on the bill of Engineering and Measurement Evaluation which was thoroughly adhered to by the contractor namely; the evacuation of solid waste from the temporary location at Kurudu to the Permanent location in Karshi; the reclamation of the evacuation Kurudu dumpsite with suitable material to make up level ground; the road improvement works as auxiliary within Kurudu; Gully Erosion control works (Construction of Drainage structures) and Road improvement works.

Responding on behalf of the estate, the MD, CEO, Army Post Service development ltd, Maj. Gen. Mahe Bashir thanked the Federal Government on not only the usefulness of the projects to the residents but also for the quality of the work. He said that with the completion of the projects, the estate has been witnessing influx of people settling within.

Similarly, on behalf of Kurudu community, the district head, HRH Chief Ezra Gomna expressed his joy on the projects attracted to his district. He thanked the Federal Government and indeed, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, who attracted the project. While assuring the duo of his peoples’ continuous support, he prayed for God’s blessings upon them.

The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammed Bello who was represented by the Executive Secretary, FCTA, Engr. U C Jibrin, OON in his remark, said that the Federal Government had reduced the financial weight on FCDA as well as the nightmares on the residents of FCT caused by these ecological disasters. He revealed that the relevant agencies of the FCT Ahave been directed to take care of the projects and ensure their maintenance and sustainability.

In his vote of thanks, the AMAC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido thanked the Federal government for heeding to their cry whenever called upon.

Present at the event were: the delegation from FCTA, AMAC Chairman, AMAC Vice Chairman, Supervisory councilors from AMAC, Ministers entourage, EFO Directors, members of the community and the Press crew.

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Iheoma-Hart Queenet (Mrs.)

Snr. Information Officer