The Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Nyesom Wike, has promised to stop acts of sabotage and penalize individuals who are stealing streetlights in the capital city.
Wike made this statement on Thursday as he officially launched Lot 1 and 2 of the innovative 'Light Up Abuja' initiative, which includes the installation of combined (hybrid) solar lighting throughout Abuja's neighborhoods and main roads.
He revealed that the project aimed to ensure continuous illumination throughout different neighborhoods and highways, noting that the effort was a crucial move in enhancing safety and the city's visual attractiveness.
The Minister of Finance highlighted the significance of a properly illuminated Abuja, stating it is essential for national pride and progress, particularly as the city prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in February of the following year.
He expressed the belief that the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.
According to him: “In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up”.
Wike, who also revealed that the hybrid solar system includes monitoring capabilities, stated it will allow for the quick detection of individuals trying to damage or steal the infrastructure.
He stated, "Criminals will flee because when there is illumination in all areas, by the time they arrive to steal our equipment, you will be aware that someone will witness you."
Remembering the difficulties encountered while dealing with ongoing darkness and acts of sabotage in the FCT, the minister disclosed that when he took up his position, he found almost 80 percent of the FCT engulfed in darkness during the night, which significantly led to an increase in insecurity.
He also outlined the expensive and inefficient cycle of upkeep, mentioning that past maintenance contracts were frequently given to "political contractors," leading to payments for maintenance with no noticeable outcomes—a situation he called a "nightmare."
To address the persistent issues of darkness and infrastructure destruction, Wike mentioned that the FCT Administration made a firm move during an investment-focused visit with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024. During this trip, significant deals were finalized with two well-known international companies – the Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). These agreements aim to supply water to the satellite towns, which is currently being implemented, and to illuminate Abuja.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned that the agreements specify that the companies are accountable for the complete upkeep of the streetlights for a period of four to five years, thus doing away with the prior expensive and inefficient method of continuous maintenance.
Acknowledging the anticipated backlash from those who benefited from the old corrupt system, the Minister said the FCT Administration expects attacks from three main groups – the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and corrupt FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.
However, Wike said he is undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s interest.
"We have reached a decision. This task needs to be completed, and I will carry it out with the backing of the President, which is crucial," he stated.
The Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, referred to the light up Abuja project not merely as a collection of poles and solar panels, but as a means of introducing illumination in areas of darkness, security in places of fear, and optimism in regions of uncertainty, showing confidence that this effort will keep Abuja glowing throughout the night.
Mahmoud expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their forward-thinking leadership and steadfast dedication to delivering essential infrastructure within the FCT.
Giving a summary of the Light up Abuja initiative, the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, mentioned that the contract was divided into two parts for Messrs CCECC and CGC Nigeria Limited, and noted that they are anticipated to finish the project in six months.
He mentioned that Lot 1 includes the Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, and Asokoro areas, along with the Airport Expressway, whereas Lot 2 encompasses the Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi regions.
Dauda mentioned that the project scope involves providing and installing Integrated Hybrid Solar Street Lighting systems, including the fitting of 300-watt solar-powered lights with luminous blocks varying between 7,500 to 17,500 lumens along roads and expressways, along with essential additional components. It also includes the installation of galvanized street light poles at sites requiring replacement or where they have been damaged, as well as the setup of surveillance equipment for the street lighting systems.
He mentioned that once finished, the combined solar-powered street lighting system will light up the city and assist in preventing theft and damage. It will also offer additional advantages such as enhanced safety for people and property, better visual appeal and atmosphere in the streets during nighttime, lower electricity bills, maintenance expenses, and technical losses.
The Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, respectively, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for entrusting their organizations with this significant task, and committed to utilizing their top resources to complete a premier project that will enhance Abuja's prominence and establish a standard for eco-friendly urban growth.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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