By Eunice Orike
Federal Government has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT that compensation would be paid to all those affected by ongoing roads constructions.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, gave the assurance on Monday during an inspection of the ongoing road construction projects in Life Camp, Katampe districts, and the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The roadworks in Life Camp are being executed by Julius Berger, a leading construction firm in Nigeria.
Wike said the works being done were of high standards, adding that the works had elicited positive reactions from local residents.
In Katampe, where CGC is responsible for the construction, Wike announced plans to extend the scope of the contract to establish a connection.
“The contractors have agreed that they will still complete it even though it is an additional job at the same timeframe, which is next year May. We are happy with that commitment,” he added.
The Minister also addressed the need for the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, recalling a previous incident when Nigeria faced embarrassment during the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament due to the condition of the facility.
“Mr. President directed immediately that we must rehabilitate it to meet international standards. With what I’ve see Julius Berger doing, I am quite satisfied that by the grace of God, April next year, they would have handed over this project, and it will be available for Nigerians to use,” he declared.
He emphasized that the upgraded International Conference Centre would meet global standards, thereby positioning Nigeria as a respectable host for international events.
He disclosed that the government was committed to completing the projects by the second anniversary of Mr. President’s administration.
“We are working towards showcasing significant progress, and by the grace of God, many of these projects will be highlighted, reaffirming that a lot has been accomplished in Abuja within the last two years,” he said.
Regarding the compensation for affected individuals in Life Camp, Wike explained the process: “What we went to do at Life Camp has to do majorly with the crops, and then there are some small houses that we need to compensate.
“If it requires relocating them, we will do so; if it requires just compensation, we will proceed accordingly. It depends on what is available. What is important to us is that we are working together with the various communities.”