Wike Kicks Off Water Project In Bwari Satellite Towns
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced construction of a potable water project in Bwari Area Council.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who launched the construction on Wednesday, said the initiative underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to spreading critical infrastructure beyond the city centre to underserved communities.
“Let me thank the people of Bwari for coming out in their numbers to witness this important occasion—the beginning of the construction of water provision for the satellite towns,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that the project timeline had been shortened from 18 months after discussions with the contractors, CGC Nigeria Limited. With 50 per cent of the contract sum already released, Wike expressed optimism that the project would be completed and commissioned by Tinubu’s third year in office.
“Then, some thought it was politics, but today, it is reality. One thing you must give to Mr. President is that when he makes promises, he fulfills them,” the minister said.
“Mr. President immediately approved the release of 50 percent of the contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited. With their track record, I believe they will deliver on time, provided funds are available.
“We are starting with Bwari and Karu. Next year, by God’s grace, we will move to Kuje and Kwali, and by 2027, we will have extended to Gwagwalada and Abaji. By the end of this administration’s first term, every satellite town will have access to clean, potable water,” he said.
According to Wike, the project would eliminate the reliance on untreated boreholes, provide fully treated water for households, and create over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs.
“This project is even more important than roads. If you protect contractors working on roads, imagine the importance of protecting contractors providing water—because water is life,” he appealed, urging traditional rulers, women, and youths to take ownership of the project.
The minister reassured the residents that the initiative would not be abandoned. “We will start, and we will complete it. Agreement is agreement,” he declared to the crowd.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the project was aligned with the Abuja Master Plan, which calls for the simultaneous development of the city and its satellite towns.
“The project provides the essential secondary and tertiary distribution network for effective supply of potable water to Bwari Township and environs. It is an extension of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project commissioned in June 2025,” Dauda explained.
According to him, the scope of work includes site clearance, earthworks, excavation, and the supply and installation of about 198 kilometers of pipes ranging from 60mm to 600mm in diameter, as well as fittings, flanges, and civil works.
“When completed, it will not only serve Bwari Township but also extend to Ushafa, Jigu, Kuduru, Kuchuku and other communities, thereby improving the well-being, health, and socio-economic lives of residents,” he added.
Bwari District, located in the northern part of Abuja, spans about 41.9 km² with an estimated population of nearly 500,000. Currently, only parts of the community enjoy stable water supply, relying on the Usman Waterworks booster station and a high-level reservoir. However, with four of its six pumps already out of service, supply falls far below demand.
The new project will upgrade and expand the existing system by replacing damaged pumps, modernising electrical equipment at the pump station, and laying 198 kilometres of new distribution pipelines with valve chambers to strengthen the reservoir system.
It is expected to provide safe and reliable water for nearly half a million residents.
Wike Kicks Off Water Project In Bwari Satellite Towns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
