Minister assures speedy completion of N19bn Karshi water project

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has assured residents of the territory that the N19 billion Karshi water project will be completed on record time to address the challenges of water supply in the satellite towns.

Dr Aliyu, who gave the assurance while on tour of facilities within Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), also revealed that the project has advanced to 45 per cent completion.

The minister, who was accompanied by the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Engineer Felix Nwankwo, and other directors of various agencies and departments during the tour, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done while assuring the contractor that the administration will pay the certificate generated.

According to him: “I am happy with the level of work done and I can assure you that the administration will ensure the speedy completion of the water project aim at addressing water challenges faced by residents of satellite towns.

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“It is an ongoing project and based on a presidential directive, we have a duty to make sure that we continue with projects already started. That is why we are trying our best to develop all the necessary budgetary provision National Assembly has already signed. We are trying to complete the project as soon as possible,” she stated.

The minister, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Austine Elemue said the administration was determined to ensure that both the satellite towns and most of the new districts will have water, stressing that the construction of Coffer dam in Karshi will ease the supply of water to other satellite towns when completed.

She also assured that when the dam is completed, there will be enough water for the satellite towns and will also generate employment and increase economic activities and other socio-economic activities.

On his part, the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Engineer Felix Nwankwo, explained that water will be generated from the nearby stream in addition to rainwater, adding that the move will curtain the flooding in some parts of Karshi.

“We have a very small stream, but because we are going to have rainfall, once we block it, we are going to retain water. Last year we have so much flooding in Karshi, those water will no longer be seen when the dam is completed because all of them will be retained within the dam structure.” He added.

The minister used the occasion to inspect Oronzo mini stadium, Karu abattoir, and all the graded chiefs in Area Council.