Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday, directed the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to provide infrastructure in areas earmarked for building of justices residential houses.
The minister gave the directive after inspecting the sites for the construction of accommodation for justices of the High Court, FCT High Court and Court of Appeal, Abuja division, in Katampe and Jabi areas.
Wike, who was accompanied by top management staff of FCT Administration, said the initiative was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, which according to him, is an indication that the agenda is not a mere talk.
The minister had, about two months ago, promised to address accommodation challenges faced by justices in the territory.
Wike also inspected the site where a building collapsed at Jabi in 2008, where seven persons died.
He called on the department of parks and recreation to come up with a design befitting a world class memorial centre.
According to him, work will start immediately the FCT statutory budget of 2024 is passed.
Wike said: “In line with the directive of Mr. President that we must make sure the Renewed Hope Agenda is not mere talking but to bring back that lost hope of Nigerians to believe things can be done right again.
“We went to Katampe hill where we are trying to provide accommodation for justices of the High Court, FCT High Court and justices of Court of Appeal, Abuja division, it as the result that we went to see the sites and we found out that the infrastructure is yet to be provided.
“We have directed the FCDA to quickly see that they provide infrastructure in those areas so that we can start the residential buildings.
“In 2008, there was a collapsed building where seven people died, where the FCT Administration decided to make the place a memorial complex in remembrance of those who loss their lives.
“I asked the department of parks and recreation to come out with a proper design that will stand the test of time in a manner that people will remember those who loss their lives.
“We will start the work immediately when the FCT statutory budget of 2024 is passed, after the passage of the budget, we will start the procurement process. This will make us to build a befitting memorial centre that the world will see.”
Credit: Daily Sun