The drive to transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a world-class City is gaining momentum as the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday flag-off the installation of integrated Solar Lightening in Districts of Abuja City.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Barr. Wike expressed joy over the project owing to the challenges his Administration has faced with people sabotaging its effort to light up the City.
“This project is a very difficult one in the sense that it has caused a lot of headache, not in the conceptualisation, but in how it will work, knowing that in this country, people are always sabotaging the efforts of the government. So, it has been a sense of concern for me and my team”, the Minister said.
Wike said he and his team were ready to take up the challenge, stressing that when he came on-board, the City was in total darkness and plagued with insecurity.
“But we felt that we must take up the challenge. When we came on board in August 2023, one thing anybody who resides in Abuja will identify is that totally almost 80% of the entire city was in darkness. There was this issue of insecurity”, he said.
He noted that leaving the City in darkness will exacerbate insecurity and put the lives of residents in danger.
On the concerns over maintenance and safety of the solar lights, the Minister disclosed that the companies handling the project will also maintain them for a period of five years.
He added that the contractors will work in synergy with the security agencies to ensure the safety of the lights.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said the flag-off is more than just a project, saying the FCTA is bringing light where there was darkness and safety where there were fears.
“Today, we are not just flagging up a project, but we are bringing light where there was darkness. We are bringing safety where there were fears. We are also bringing hope where there were doubts.
“Today’s project is beyond, it’s more than just solar poles and panels, but it’s a promise that Abuja will continue to shine day and night. We thank the almighty for giving us this opportunity”, Dr. Mahmoud concluded.
Abuja Times reports that all FCT area councils chairmen were present at the event is support of the Minister for his good works.