Abuja Smart City : FCDA Mulls Master Plan Review

The FCT Administration says plans are under way to transform Abuja into a smart city.

To this end, the review of the Abuja Master plan is also being considered, to meet the standard of other developed capital cities around the globe.

The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike made this known during the Annual Media Retreat of the Press corps in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Wike explained that the concept of a smart city is not merely an ambitious vision but an imperative step towards ensuring sustainable urban development that would improve living standard of residents.

The FCT Minister who was represented by the Director of Press, FCTA, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, reiterated FCTA’s commitment towards creating an environment that benefits all through multifaceted efforts.

Wike explained that the initiative of a smart city, would largely leverage on relevant technology to improve living standards in the area of waste management, health care, efficient transportation system among others.

“Initiatives such as accessible green spaces, efficient waste management, sustainable transport systems, and promoting healthy lifestyle contribute significantly to this vision”.

“It involves the integration of technology, innovation, and strategic planning, to create an environment that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.We are not only leveraging technological advancements but also prioritising health and well-being at every level of urban planning”, Wike assured.

Wike while urging Journalists not to relent in sensitizing the citizens on government policies and programmes, also stressed the need for residents to maintain traffic rules, ensure payment of their utility bills, ground rents and taxes towards generating more funds to develop the city.

“I urge the media to help us in getting this message across to all and sundry. Let us work together to build a city where both the government and the public uphold their respective responsibilities for the betterment of our beloved city.”

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Hadi Ahmad, represented by the Head of Public Relations, Mr Richard Nduul, who said the review of Abuja Master Plan was long overdue, attributed the delay in the implementation of the second review of the Abuja Master Plan to lack of funds.

He noted that the review, which would address cases of indiscriminate soak away, boreholes and encroachment on reserved areas, said the designs of some new districts were already being incorporated into the planned review.

“There are provisions for a comprehensive sewage system that will eliminate the need for soakaway in the FCT. The same applies to water distribution. By the time the Abuja Water project comes in place, people will forget about the need for boreholes for their houses as they will just connect to the central supply line.By the time all these come on ground, the issue of water pollution caused by soakaway located close to boreholes, will be a thing of the past as the city will have enough facilities to take care of those needs”.

Earlier, Chairman of the Press Corps, Mr Hudu Yakubu, on behalf of the Corps, pledged to uphold the ethics of journalism in educating Nigerians on the policies and programmes of the renewed hope government.

Earlier, Director Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima who spoke on the role of the media in the planning, development, and management of a smart city, described the media as strategic partners in city development.

Galadima represented Mr Muhammed Zayyanu, listed some aspects of a smart city to include vibrant economy opportunities, smart urban growth with mixed land use, innovative technologies, intelligent transport system, walkable city with greens and cycling infrastructure, intelligent waste management among others.

The theme of the retreat is ” Building an Environment that Benefits a Smart City, Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management”

By Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji