FCTA moves to outsource waste management in satellite towns

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced that the FCT Administration is finalizing the process of engaging contractors for waste management in satellite towns across the nation’s capital.

Wike revealed this on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja. The minister stated that while Abuja was clean, he was dissatisfied with the performance of contractors managing waste in satellite towns.

He explained that the initiative aims to address the waste challenges in these areas. He noted the presence of refuse scattered across satellite towns, especially along the roads.

According to him, “For me, it is not acceptable.“As I speak to you now, I think we are almost done with the selection of the contractors that will be carrying out waste management in satellite towns.

“I believe in the next one week we would have been done with the selection – those that are competent; those we think can deliver.”

It would be recalled that Wike, on assumption into office as FCT minister on Aug. 21, 2023, promised that efforts would be made to strengthen waste management to keep the city clean.

Likewise, Osilama Braimah, Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, revealed that 40 contractors had been engaged to maintain cleanliness in the capital city. Among the projects inspected was the construction of the N16 arterial road (Shehu Shagari Way), extending from NICON Junction through the Gishiri community to N20 (Wole Soyinka Way).

The inspection also covered the ongoing construction of Judges’ Quarters and the road network in Katampe, as well as the development of Obafemi Awolowo Way from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. The minister attributed the smooth progress of work to the strong support from affected communities.

“We appreciate the support of community members; this is exactly what we expect from them, and I am very pleased with the progress,” he said.

Addressing the compensation of residents affected by the project, Wike stated that the Resettlement Department had already compensated those in Wasa and Life Camp.

He further noted that payments were ongoing for affected residents in Gishiri and would be completed by the end of the week. Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, the minister specifically praised Julius Berger and CGC, the companies handling some of the road projects.

“I am highly impressed with the speed of work by various contractors, especially those involved in road construction, like Julius Berger and CGC. “I am confident that we will meet the May deadline as promised.

“Take a look at the ongoing construction of the Judges’ Quarters and the FCT Court of Appeal—the pace and quality of work are remarkable,” he said.