Waste management: Wike assures affected FCT residents of compensation

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has assured that compensation for affected communities has been settled while efforts to improve waste management across Abuja, particularly in satellite towns, are underway.

Wike disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects comprising Judges’ quarters for the FCT, the Federal High Courts, and the Court of Appeal, N16 road from Shehu Shagari way to Wole Soyinka way, as well as Obafemi Awolowo from NICON junction to Ring Road 3.

The minister, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring smooth resettlement for communities impacted by development of projects, stated that compensation payments had been made and that additional measures, such as water supply improvements, were being implemented.

“Where we are standing now, compensation has been settled. The Resettlement Department has handled the process, and we are addressing water supply issues, with a 5,000-litre system expected to be completed this week,” he said.

The minister also praised the pace of work by contractors handling road projects, including Julius Berger and CGC, expressing confidence that all ongoing infrastructure works would be completed on schedule by May.

On waste management, he acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in satellite towns, and disclosed that new contractors had been shortlisted to handle sanitation services.

“We are almost done with the selection of waste management contractors. Those who are competent and can deliver will take over, ensuring cleaner streets and proper disposal systems.

“I believe in the next one week, we would have done with that. Those who are competent, those whom we think they can deliver. I think we are tackling it, particularly the satellite towns, when you are moving down the road, you would see waste scattered all over the place and for me, it’s not acceptable to us,” he stated.

The minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, environmental cleanliness, and community welfare, assuring residents that necessary interventions were being made to enhance the quality of life in the FCT.