Wike Flags Off Karu Water Project, Pledges Expanded Access to Potable Water in FCT Satellite Towns

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun work on the Karu Water Supply Project, a major step in its drive to provide safe drinking water to residents of Abuja’s satellite communities.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who officially launched the project on Thursday, stated that the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding critical infrastructure in underserved areas. 

The Karu project, tagged “Lot 2,” involves laying about 194 kilometres of water pipelines and is expected to be completed by June 2026.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government has already released half of the project’s funding to ensure steady progress.

“This administration has made a deliberate choice to prioritize basic needs. We began in Bwari, and by next year, we will extend to Kuje and Gwagwalada.”

“Before the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, Kwali and Abaji will also be covered.”

He urged residents and community leaders to support the contractor, China Geoengineering Construction (CGC), adding that treated water would improve health outcomes and reduce dependence on unsafe borehole water.

The Minister also linked the project to other recent developments in the area, citing the completed 17-kilometre Karu–Karshi road and pledging additional road works within Karu.

He criticized past administrations for neglecting satellite towns, urging residents to back leaders who deliver visible results.

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as “a symbol of hope and progress,” stressing the need to protect the infrastructure for future generations.

She commended President Tinubu for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda and thanked stakeholders for their collaboration.

Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda explained that the Karu water supply scheme aligns with the Abuja Masterplan, which seeks to balance development between the city center and surrounding communities.

He highlighted that beyond providing potable water to Karu, Orozo, Kurudu, Jikwoyi, and neighbouring areas, the project would also create employment during its execution.

CGC’s Deputy Managing Director, Lv Haiming, assured that the company was committed to delivering the project on schedule, describing it as a “people-centred initiative” designed to serve the growing population of Karu and its environs.