The FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing N19.4 billion Karshi water project which is designed to supply water to the Karshi satellite town of the FCT.
The Permanent Secretary who made this disclosure during an inspection of the project site in Karshi as well as the equipment for the project which is in storage at the construction company’s Office in Ushafa, Bwari, said the project, when completed will make water scarcity in the FCT satellite town and other new districts a thing of the past. He said it will also generate employment and increase economic activities such as farming.
The FCT Permanent Secretary also explained that the inspection visit was to ascertain that the work being done on site is consistent with what is stated in the Variation Certificate submitted by the company before payment is made.
Mr. Ohaa further disclosed that the FCT Administration has made necessary provisions in the 2019 budget to ensure that project is continued, adding that it is expected to be completed before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term in office.
According to him, “They (SCC, the construction company) generated a certificate and we want to make sure that what is on ground tallies with what is presented in the certificate. We want to make sure that all the due processes were followed before we can give the final approval and make necessary payment to enable them to continue.”
The Permanent Secretary further explained that the contract is in phases, and that what was being inspected is the dam component of the project for which N1.9 billion has been raised in the Certificate.
In his words, “The original contract sum is N19 billion and was procured even before this Administration and it’s our tradition to make sure we continue with projects already started. That is why we are trying our best in making budgetary provisions which the National Assembly has already signed. I’m sure we are going to complete it within this term of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Speaking further, he said, “I’m satisfied with the level of work done so far. That is why I decided to go with the press so that you will see things for yourself. You’ve seen the equipment already supplied and most of the pipes have been laid. That will show you the level of work already done”.
Also speaking during the visit, the Director, Satellite Towns Development Department, Engr. Felix Nwankwo, said the construction is 25 percent completed, adding that the dam when completed will have a capacity 8 million cubic meters.
He said the source of water for the dam will come from a stream around the area, while the major source will be harnessed from rainfall. The Director added that the dam will put an end to the incessant flooding being experienced in the Karshi area as the water that usually spills into the community will now be contained within the dam.
“Once they are able to get this water, all the inhabitants of Karshi and environs will be happy and they will have much better life,” he concluded.
ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
01/06/2019
