The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, has attributed the seemingly slow pace in implementation of the Abuja master plan to lack of funds to ensure the provision of basic engineering works like drainage, water, access roads and central sewage system for the nation’s capital city.
Ahmad, made this point at the 9th annual retreat of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps, in Keffi, Nasarawa state, noted that the document was not sacrosanct, as there is provision for its periodic review.
Checks revealed that the expected period for the second review of the Abuja Master Plan is 50 years from creation, in order to enable the city adjust to emerging city development standards.
The FCDA boss, who was represented by the Head of Public Relations, FCDA, Mr. Richard Ndull, disclosed that the designs of some new districts are already being captured in a planned review of the document.
Responding to the issue of water pollution caused by the proliferation of soakaways and boreholes in some parts of the city, the FCDA Executive Secretary said: “There are provision for a comprehensive sewage system that will eliminate the need for soakaways in the FCT. The same applies to water distribution.
“By the time the Abuja Water project comes in place, people will forget about the need for boreholes for their houses as they will just connect to the central supply line.
“And by the time all these come on ground, the issue of water pollution caused by soakaways located close to boreholes, will be a thing of the past as the city will have enough facilities to take care of those needs and residents will be able to connect to central facilities.”
Earlier, while declaring the retreat open, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, pointed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu does not only entail economic advancement, but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems.
Wike, represented by the Director Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, hailed journalists for effective grasping of issues confronting FCTA and how to tackle them.
Wike said the recent steps taken by the FCT Administration to bolster its Internally Generated Revenue, signifies a commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable growth of the city.
According to him, boosting FCTA’s IGR is a testament to the dedication in fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on federal allocations.
He urged residents to leverage the FCTA’s steps towards increased IGR to propel the territory into a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
He noted that, the theme for this retreat which is “Building an Environment That Benefits a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management is apt, as it emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and effective city management in our collective pursuit of progress.
“I commend your dedication in orchestrating this insightful gathering, which aligns seamlessly with our aspirations for a brighter future that resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“President Tinubu’s vision that embodies the essence of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth. It is an agenda that emphasizes not only economic advancement but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems and the empowerment of our people.
“As stewards of this vision, it is incumbents upon us to translate these aspirations into tangible actions that positively impact the lives of our citizens.
“It is a stride towards financial autonomy, allowing us greater flexibility in implementing developmental projects that directly benefit the residents of our city.”
