Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has embarked on a trip to China to address the pressing issue of water supply in Abuja's satellite towns. This development comes after President Bola Tinubu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese corporations, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group, to improve electricity and water supply in the FCT.
*Key Objectives of Wike's Trip*
- *Meeting with CGCOC Officials*: Wike will meet with officials of the CGCOC Group to discuss the implementation of the water supply project in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils.
- *Progress on Water Supply Project*: The CGCOC Group has already made significant progress on the Greater Abuja Water Works project, with completion expected in December 2024, although Wike's current trip aims to expedite water supply to satellite towns.
- *Water Supply in Satellite Towns*: The FCT Minister's trip is part of efforts to ensure the provision of potable water in satellite towns, as directed by President Tinubu, who approved N50 billion for the project ¹ ².
*Background and Significance*
- *MoU Signing*: Wike signed the MoU with CCECC and CGCOC Group in Beijing, China, on the sidelines of President Tinubu's visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.
- *Renewed Hope Agenda*: The water supply project is part of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the lives of Abuja residents through people-oriented projects.
*Expected Outcomes*
- *Improved Water Supply*: The project is expected to significantly improve water supply in Abuja's satellite towns, enhancing the lives of residents.
- *Collaboration with Chinese Firms*: The partnership with Chinese corporations demonstrates the FCT administration's commitment to leveraging international collaborations to address infrastructure challenges ².
