By Becky Momodu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Karu Satellite Town Water Supply Network in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing potable water to thousands of residents in Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and adjoining communities as part of his administration’s commitment to improving living conditions in underserved areas.
The project was inaugurated on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the ceremony.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Tinubu described the project as more than just the delivery of infrastructure, saying it represents the fulfilment of the government’s promise to provide essential services to communities on the outskirts of the nation’s capital.
“We are here not just to cut a ribbon but to breathe life into a fundamental human right. Today, we declare that the era of neglect of satellite communities is over,” the President stated.
He recalled that during the commissioning of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project in 2025, his administration pledged to extend the benefits of improved water supply beyond the city centre to satellite towns.
“We promised that governance will no longer be a theoretical exercise confined to the boardrooms of city centres while our people in the peripheries lack basic amenities,” he said.
President Tinubu noted that the administration fulfilled that promise by approving and funding the Karu Water Supply Project, executed by CGC Nigeria Limited.
According to him, the project delivered more than 194 kilometres of secondary and tertiary pipeline networks, ensuring treated and potable water reaches homes and businesses across Karu and neighbouring communities.
The President commended the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, noting that ongoing improvements in roads, transportation, healthcare, education, housing and water supply demonstrate the impact of purposeful governance.
He urged residents to protect the facilities against vandalism and illegal connections, stressing the need to safeguard public infrastructure for future generations.
“As we celebrate the third anniversary of this administration and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT, let this project serve as a blueprint for inclusive development. We are replicating this project in Bwari and other area councils. Our commitment to urban renewal and rural integration is absolute,” he added.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project was completed in less than one year after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the FCT Administration and CGC Nigeria Limited in September 2024.
He attributed the speedy completion of the project to President Tinubu’s support and the timely release of funds.
“Because of the President’s directive for early release of funds captured in the national budget, today, in less than one year, you have come back to commission the provision of water in Karu,” Wike said.
The minister explained that the project is part of the administration’s broader strategy to ensure residents of satellite towns enjoy infrastructure and services comparable to those available in the city centre.
He added that similar water projects are underway in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari Area Council, with the Bwari project expected to be commissioned on July 14.
Wike further noted that Karu has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the FCT and requires critical infrastructure capable of supporting its rapidly expanding population.
He also revealed that President Tinubu would return to Karu later this month to commission several newly completed road projects.
In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a landmark achievement that would improve public health, sanitation and the overall quality of life of residents.
“Today is not just about commissioning a public utility; it is about delivering hope, improving public health and enhancing the quality of life of our people,” she said.
Providing a technical overview, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project involved the construction and expansion of the Karu water supply network through the installation of approximately 190 kilometres of high-density polyethene pipes ranging from 63 millimetres to 630 millimetres in diameter, alongside more than 113 valves and related facilities.
Dauda explained that the project draws water from the existing Karu reservoir and extends supply to previously underserved communities, including Kurudu, Jikwoyi and Orozo.
“The successful completion of this project marks a significant advancement in the provision of potable water to residents of Karu and neighbouring communities and will improve both public health and socio-economic development,” he said.