Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to support government projects that benefit the public, particularly those that deal with Right of Way (RoW) concerns.
The minister, Nyesom Wike made the appeal, yesterday, after inspecting many ongoing projects, including the Judges Quarters in Katampe District and the access roads, the interchange at the RR1 and Shehu Shagari Expressway by N16.
Addressing concerns about the potential removal of properties along the road corridor, the minister clarified that government would adhere to proper procedures.
“Relocation and compensation will be handled according to due process. We will ensure that all affected residents are fairly compensated for any property acquired for the road project.”
He appealed to the community to cooperate and support the project, highlighting its significant benefits to the area.
“Imagine how it was and see how it is now. When it is finished with street lights everywhere, it will benefit them,” he stated.
Asked to evaluate his performance as minister so far, Wike said he was not in a position to do so.
“Only the public will assess my performance against set targets. I can’t set exams for myself, mark and grade myself. It is for the public to assess.
“We have the presidential monitoring team with the deliverables. They should be able to say whether we have done what we are supposed to do and to what extent.
“However, generally I am satisfied with what the government has done, and as it relates to FCT, I can say that I am very much satisfied,” he said.
Speaking on the progress of the construction of the Judges’ Quarters and the road network in the area, Wike said he was impressed with the spate of work so far.
He expressed optimism that the project would be completed and handed over in May 2025.
“You can see the roads surrounding the Judges’ Quarters. The level of work at the quarters is amazing. The last time we came, we couldn’t get to this point.
“The contractor has been able to finish major culverts on the roads surrounding the quarters.
“For me, I am very much impressed with the contractor and I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity given to us to contribute to giving Nigerians their lost hope.”
The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of a 2.7-kilometre six lane arterial road connecting Katampe with Shehu Shagari Way, with an interchange over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.
He pleaded with the community to give maximum support to ensure completion of the projects.
He said the road would open up district infrastructure in Mabushi and the adjoining Katampe, Jahi, and Kado Districts.
He said the compensation department would work out the value of compensation based on the number of houses that would be affected by the road project.
Credit: The Sun