Provoked by the ugly scenes he encountered along the road while inspecting ongoing projects in satellite towns, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, threatened to terminate the appointment of those responsible for the evacuation of refuse if they fail to clear them before Monday, next week.
The Minister, who was greeted by mountainous heaps of refuse dumps, which have taken over major roads linking to key Satellite towns such as Karu, Kubwa, Bwari, among others, expressed disappointment with the traffic situation being caused by the uncleared refuse.
He particularly warned the Satellite Towns Development Department, other agencies of the FCT Administration, as well as contractors responsible for managing refuse evacuation in the territory, to clear the embarrassing refuse before Monday or face decisive action from the administration.
Wike noted that his administration will not tolerate practices that tend to sabotage ongoing efforts to develop the satellite towns towards making the territory a world-class city.
"I was about to take decisive action regarding the refuse dump oversight. If by Monday I see continued negligence or refusal to comply with performance standards, I will not hesitate to terminate the appointment of those responsible," the minister warned.
"Development cannot be compromised. If there is refuse management or operational failure in Karshi or Bwari, come Monday, those accountable will be held responsible. We will not tolerate practices that delay progress. Accountability is central to what we are doing.
"If I see that refuse from Orozo down to Apo-Karshi by Monday or Tuesday, your job will be terminated. Whatever you can do, make sure this is handled.
After inspecting the ongoing Bwari-Kubwa and Apo-Karshi road projects, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of work being carried out by the contractors handling the projects.
Wike explained that the projects are critical structural developments that will boost economic activities in communities between Bwari and Kubwa and Orozo to Karshi.
"Recently, I visited several key Satellite Towns, not just the city centre.
"For example, we went to Karshi — every road there has been reconstructed by a Nigerian contractor. I’m very pleased with the quality of work being delivered. One particularly significant project is the Apo–Karshi Road, which was originally awarded years ago but left incomplete.
"Because of the importance of that road, we felt we couldn’t wait any longer for progress. The contract was rescinded and re‑awarded to SCC Construction Company, and they have begun work in earnest.
"Another major project is the Bwari–Kubwa Road. Many commuters might be travelling that route for the first time. It’s a critical structural development that will boost economic activity in communities between Bwari and Kubwa.
"We also have other link roads under construction across the Satellite Towns. All of this represents massive infrastructure development that will transform the local economy. People who have never experienced proper road infrastructure before are now seeing real change.
"I am happy that we have the opportunity to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
"The Bwari–Kubwa road, which stretches roughly 16 to 17 kilometres, is scheduled for completion by May 3rd this year.
"We expect that by the end of this calendar year, all major infrastructure projects under this initiative will be delivered — bringing lasting economic and social benefits to residents of these Satellite Towns and the broader FCT". Wike said.
