FG has approved N90 billion for Bwari and Karu Water Supply Projects in Abuja.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has approved N90 billion for the construction of new water supply projects in Bwari and Karu, both located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to expand access to clean and reliable water for residents of Abuja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike made the announcement on Tuesday while commissioning the rehabilitated N50 billion Phase 2 water treatment plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.
Wike disclosed that the new water projects would kick off this week, with the Bwari scheme launching on Wednesday and the Karu project following on Thursday.
“These initiatives will significantly improve water distribution in satellite towns and complement the completed Usuma Dam project, which was awarded in 2022 at a cost of N50 billion,” Wike said.
Focus Beyond Roads
The minister emphasized that the FCT Administration is not only investing in road infrastructure but also prioritizing essential services like water supply.
“Water is life, and this administration is determined to ensure every resident of the FCT has reliable access to clean water,” he stated.
Wike also highlighted that other phases of the Usuma Dam project had already been awarded, noting that agreements signed with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 visit to China will further boost water distribution to Abuja’s satellite towns.
Broader Development Efforts
In addition to water projects, Wike said the FCT is making significant strides in the education sector, with several schools across the territory either completed, renovated, or under construction. He directed the Secretary of Education to publish a full list of completed projects and lead media tours of rural schools to showcase the administration’s progress.
Background
The approval for the Bwari and Karu projects is part of ongoing initiatives to expand water supply across the FCT.
In September 2024, the FCT Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Chinese firms—CCECC and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group—to enhance electricity and water supply in Abuja.
As of that time, the Greater Abuja Water Works project, handled by CGCOC Group, was 75% complete and expected to be delivered by December 2024. The project aims to serve satellite towns such as Bwari, Karu, and surrounding communities with sustainable and reliable water access.