FCT Budget : Environment, Potable Water, To Gulp N26.6b

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, says Greater Abuja Water Project will by completed by December this year.

FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike who gave this assurance during 2024 project defence in Abuja, revealed that N26.6 billion has been allocated to the FCT Water Board and Abuja Environmental Protection Board AEPB, to provide clean water and a healthy environment in FCT.

The Minister who explained that of the N26.6 billion, N9 billion was earmarked to enhance water treatment and supply in the FCT, said the completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts in the territory.

He added that out of the N9 billion, N2.2 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals while N7.4 billion was for the FCT Water Board personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure.

Wike said arrangements were on top gear to exploit Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.

Wike noted that the metering will bridge the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector, as well as help consumers to minimise wastages.

The minister also explained that a total of N17.6 billion was allocated to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

“Through the 2024 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan, but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.

“It is worthy to note that the City Cleaning contracts of the FCT require over N7 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.5 billion annually.

“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2024 fiscal year,” Wike said.

Remi Johnson, Efited By Grace Namiji