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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • I will compensate Abuja residents affected by road construction – Wike

    I will compensate Abuja residents affected by road construction – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has assured residents of the FCT affected by the ongoing road projects that they will be compensated 

    Wike said the issue will be addressed in the next two days.   

    He made this known when he inspected the ongoing road construction projects in Life Camp and Katampe districts, as well as the rehabilitation of the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja. 

    During his visit, Wike expressed optimism about the progress of the projects and their expected timelines for completion.

    The roadworks in Life Camp are being executed by Julius Berger, a leading construction firm in Nigeria. 

    The Minister highlighted the quality of the work and the positive reactions from local residents. 

    In Katampe, where a foreign company is responsible for the construction, Wike announced plans to extend the scope of the contract to establish a connection.

    “The contractors have agreed that they will still complete it even though it is an additional job at the same time frame, which is next year May. We are happy with that commitment,” he added.

    The Minister also addressed the need for the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, recalling a previous incident when Nigeria faced embarrassment during the inauguration of the ECOWAS Parliament due to the poor condition of the facility. 

    Read Also: I will not circumvent civil servants’ functions – Humanitarian minister

    “Mr. President directed immediately that we must rehabilitate it to meet international standards. With what I’ve seen Julius Berger doing, I am quite satisfied that by the grace of God, by April next year, they will have handed over this project, and it will be available for Nigerians to use,” he declared.

    He emphasised that the upgraded International Conference Center would meet global standards, thereby positioning Nigeria as a respectable host for international events. 

    Wike outlined the government’s commitment to completing the projects by the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

    “We are working towards showcasing significant progress, and by the grace of God, many of these projects will be highlighted, reaffirming that a lot has been accomplished in Abuja within the last two years,” he said.

    Regarding the compensation for affected individuals in Life Camp, Wike explained the process: “What we went to do at Life Camp has to do majorly with the crops, and then there are some small houses that we need to compensate for.

    “If it requires relocating them, we will do so; if it requires just compensation, we will proceed accordingly. It depends on what is available. What is important to us is that we are working together with the various communities”.

  • Wike launches ‘Project 10 Million’ to combat rising non-communicable diseases in Abuja

    Wike launches ‘Project 10 Million’ to combat rising non-communicable diseases in Abuja

    …targets 250,000 residents, 200 communities for free hypertension, diabetes screening 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has launched a health initiative to address the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Abuja.

    During the flag-off of “Project 10 Million,” which aims to screen 250,000 residents across 200 communities, HSES Mandate Secretary Adedolapo Fasawe highlighted the administration’s commitment to providing vulnerable and low-income residents with free screenings and treatments over a four-week period.

    Fasawe pointed out that high blood pressure affects one in 27 Nigerians, with the North Central region carrying the highest burden. 

    She said many affected individuals are unaware of their condition, which can lead to sudden complications and even unexpected deaths.

    She further emphasized that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been proactive in addressing healthcare challenges for residents, introducing several initiatives prior to Project 10 Million. 

    The project is funded by the Committee of Health Commissioners, with support from the Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

    Affirming the unwavering commitment of the Wike-led FCTA to accessible and affordable healthcare services, Fasawe said, “With Project 10 Million, the FCTA aims to set a new benchmark in community-centred healthcare by promoting preventive care and reaching underserved populations across Abuja.

    “Healthcare delivery in the FCT has significantly improved under Minister Wike, as evidenced by reports from the screened civil servants.   

    Read Also: Tinubu approves people-oriented projects in area councils – Wike

    Working under Wike’s leadership emphasizes an active lifestyle, helping to reduce the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.”

    She said the FCT had a similar program to Project 10 Million that has been ongoing, “We had the medical palliative program whereby we gave people medicines for free for whatever their ailment is, for one month, so that the money they would have used to buy medicines they will use for other things

    “We encourage registration on the Health Insurance scheme whereby a token is paid to access free health care services for the year, while those considered vulnerable poor are registered for free”. 

    She explained the motivation behind the Project 10 Million initiative, saying, “We started noticing that more people are slumping and dying with the rate of non-communicable diseases (NDCs) going high. 

    “We were focusing a lot on HIV, malaria, tuberculosis but all of a sudden younger people are dropping dead while older people who are otherwise well in the morning will slump in the afternoon.

    “At post-mortem, we realized that people had undiagnosed heart diseases which is a complication of untreated hypertension. 

    “Hypertension is a very treatable disease if caught early, diabetes is a very treatable disease if caught early. Treatable in the sense that if one adheres to the doctor’s instructions and takes the medication as prescribed, one is blind to live a normal life. 

    “Out of every 27 Nigerians one person is hypertensive. This is recorded. 

    “Now we are trying to look for all those people, educate them, give them medication so that their quality of life, output at work and in the end the GDP of the nation will be improved because, with this Renewed Hope Agenda, we constantly look for ways to reach the people, touch them.

    Fasawe highlighted that the project will cover all six area councils and target hard-to-reach communities, ensuring that urban and rural residents alike have access to these critical services. 

    “The essence of this program also is that people find it hard to leave their workplace where they get money, their markets, their farms to go to hospitals to check, that is why we are taking this Project 10 million to the doorsteps of people where they live, where they work, where they play. 

    “We will be in every Area Council, we will be in most chiefdoms, palaces, we will be in markets, we will be in places like this where people aggregate and the good news is it will run for one week. 

    “I believe at the end of this, that saying ‘Health is wealth’ will truly be understood because without good health we cannot enjoy the beautiful infrastructure that the FCT is putting on daily,” Fasawe added.

  • Tinubu approves people-oriented projects in area councils – Wike

    Tinubu approves people-oriented projects in area councils – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Tinubu is committed to approving people-oriented projects in FCT area councils.       

    Wike said this at the inauguration of the rehabilitation of the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road, in Gwagwalada.

    He said the current administration would never sit in the city to decide what to do for the people, but would rather interact with the people, document their needs and take action.

    Wike reiterated that Tinubu did not appoint him and the FCT minister of State to be selling lands in FCT.

    The Minister said: “This administration is not an administration that sits in the city; it is an administration that will visit the communities and make sure that the area councils feel the impact of government and governance.

    “We came for a town hall meeting, and in the course of our interaction, you said one of the major problems you have was to see Paiko road constructed; you said we should also construct the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road.

    “I told you if that is what you want, consider it done. This is because Mr President has directed that whatever you asked, we should give it to you.

    “Today one of the second requests you asked is the construction of these three segments of road and today we are inaugurating the rehabilitation of the road.”

    He assured residents of Gwagwalada that the road would be completed in 10 months as promised by the contractor.

    Read Also: We need to publicise Tinubu’s feats,says Hammed

    The Minister added that the Tinubu-led administration had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide portable water to residents of Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje under the pilot scheme.

    He urged the residents to support the contractor to complete the project and directed the contractor to employ youths in the area in the execution of the contract.

    “We are here to give you water, roads, and other infrastructure to make you happy,” he said.

    Mr Zulkiflu Abdulkadir, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, said that the contract was awarded in September 2024 and would be completed in 12 months.

    Abdulkadir said that the project would bridge the infrastructural gap between the city centre and the area councils.

    The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Abubakar Giri, said that the road was so dear to the residents of Gwagwalada, adding that the road, when completed, would improve the quality of life of the people.

  • Infrastructure: Abuja ‘ll look different by 2027 – Wike

    Infrastructure: Abuja ‘ll look different by 2027 – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says Abuja will look different by the time President Bola Tinubu finishes his first tenure in 2027.

    He said this is due to monumental infrastructural development.

    Wike stated this at the inauguration of the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, on Monday.

    He said that as far as infrastructure was concerned, by the time this administration ends in 2027, Abuja would be completely different.

    He said that beyond infrastructural development in the city, the area councils were also being transformed with more than 15 projects currently ongoing.

    The Minister, who listed the projects and were confirmed by the area councils’ chairmen, added that three other projects would be inaugurated for construction in satellite towns.

    “When we came on board I did say that under Tinubu’s administration, when he makes a promise, all you need to do is to be patient; that promise would be fulfilled,

    “I have said before that politics is a covenant between those that are elected and those that elected them.

    “I have said that people should hold those that they have elected accountable; those who have been appointed should be held accountable,” Wike said.

    He called on those who doubt the achievements of Tinubu-led administration to challenge what the administration has done in the six area councils in just a year and some months.

    According to him, the achievements are not propaganda but verifiable facts.

    “The point we are making is, this is just one year and a few months Mr president has stayed in office but see what he has done in terms of infrastructure in area councils.

    “When he spent four years, can you say what will happen in area councils?,” he asked.

    Wike added beyond road infrastructure, the Tinubu-led government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide potable water in Kwali, Gwagwalada and Kuje area councils.

    Read Also: Wike backs local govt autonomy

    He urged the residents of FCT to support the Tinubu administration to do more for the people.

    He explained that the procurement of the project to upgrade the War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa began before the current administration.

    He said that the 18-kilometre road, which would be executed by local contractor, was part of the administration’s efforts to improve road networks in satellite towns.

    “It is also part of Tinubu directive to empower indigenous contractors who have shown capacity and are willing to work.

    “I am happy with what I have seen today in terms of equipment,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Zulkiflu Abdulkadir, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, said that the project was awarded on Sept. 28, to Abdul Val Limited and expected to be completed in 18 months.

    Dr John Gabaya, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, commended the FCT Minister for investing in rural infrastructure to better the lives of rural dwellers.

    Describing Wike as a “Messiah”, the area council chairman described his investment in satellite towns as unprecedented.

    Also, David Jimkuta, Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, said that the project was another milestone of the renewed hope agenda of President Tinbu.

    Jimkuta pledged continued support of the committee to the minister to enable him do more for FCT residents.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu working hard to conquer economic hardship – Wike

    Tinubu working hard to conquer economic hardship – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike has assured President Bola Tinubu is working round the clock to surmount current economic hardship.  

    Wike said Nigerians will soon be singing Tinubu’s praises.

    He stated this during the flag off ceremony of another road construction from life camp junction to ring road 3, otherwise known as the N5 arterial road in Abuja, making it the fifth road flagged off for construction within the week.

    Wike, who explained Tinubu was doing everything he could economically and infrastructural wise to tackle the various challenges confronting the country, expressed confidence that his strategic measures would soon yield expected results, including alleviation of hunger. 

    He tasked Nigerians to continue to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, assuring that measures have been put in place to ensure that all citizens benefit from the various Renewed Hope Initiatives. 

    According to Wike, the multiplier effects of the series of roads flagged off within the last one week had already generated direct and indirect employment for hundreds of FCT residents. 

    Wike further encouraged Julius Berger Company handling the project to consider completion of the project within the next 14 months, against the initial contract agreement of 18 months; with a mouthwatering offer to award additional contracts to Julius Berger, if they could beat the 18 months to 14 months. 

    Even though the contract sum of the project was not disclosed, Wike announced that the FCTA had made 70℅ upfront payments to Julius Berger for the projects awarded to the company. 

    He expressed optimism that the company will deliver quality jobs that they are known for. 

    “I can tell you, before the end of this administration of President Tinubu, Nigerians will smile. These problems, (hunger, suffering) have been there for donkey years, whether it was PDP, APC, Military. 

    Read Also: Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct, says Wike

    “But by his dexterity and commitment he is putting measures that are temporarily difficult, but which at the end of the day, we will all come to sing to God. Continue to pray for Mr President. 

    “I thank Mr President for making sure work continues in FCT. He gave us the latitude to increase our threshold. Today, schools’ renovation is going on. 

    “I’m sure people living here never believe this road can be done again, but Mr President says it must be done. We are here to bring back your hope ” Wike assured

    Performing the flag off, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio represented by Chairman, Senate Committee On FCT, Ibrahim Bomai who lauded efforts of FCTA in road construction, said good road network is critical in promoting socio- economic activities. 

    Akpabio while commending Wike for his foresight in improving the revenue base of the Federal Capital Territory, pledged the support of the 10th Assembly to ensure speedy passage of bills meant to fast-track infrastructure development of the territory. 

    Giving the overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Shehu Hadi Ahmad, said the 4.4km road stretch with 6 lanes will enhance seamless movement into the Kado fish market, life camp, Karimu among others. 

    “The road N5 is named Obafemi Awolowo Road, connecting international Conference Centre to Julius Berger Herbert Macaulay, but continuing from life camp junction in Gwarinpa district, up to ring road 3 in Iddo Gwari district, covering 4.4km, 6 lanes of three dual carriageway expected to bring relief for residents of Kado, Karimu, Gwarinpa, Dape, Iddo – Gwari as well as Saburi and Dei-Dei,” Ahmad said.

  • Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct, says Wike

    Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct, says Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration’s efforts to develop satellite towns and rural areas of the territory is sacrosanct.

    Wike gave the assurance during the inauguration of the construction of Asuquo Okon Road (Road CN8), from Obafemi Awolowo Way (Arterial Road N5), to Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Arterial Road N1), in Abuja on Thursday.

    The project will also include other adjoining roads within the sector centre, Daki Biyu District.

    The Collector Road CN8, the 4th in the series of road projects that were inaugurated for construction in the Abuja city centre this week, is expected to be completed in May 2025.

    He said that besides the ongoing construction of roads in the six area councils, the FCTA would inaugurate the construction of four additional road projects in satellite towns beginning from Oct. 28.

    According to him, the provision of road infrastructure outside the city center is a key driving the needed transformation of the rural economy.

    He added that the measure demonstrates the importance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda attaches to the development of FCT rural communities.

    The Minister said that the efforts would ensure that the people who reside outside the city feel the impact of governance.

    Read Also: Abbas to Wike: you’ve made Tinubu’s administration proud

    He recalled that Tinubu had directed that development of the FCT should not be concentrated only within the city where the big men live.

    “Mr President insisted that development should also be taken to the rural areas where those who are considered not too wealthy reside,” he said.

    “FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of Abuja,” he said.

    Earlier, Me Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Asuquo Okon Way was an inter-district road connecting the Obafemi Awolowo Way in Jabi District to the Olusegun Obasanjo Way within Daki Biyu District.

    Ahmad added that the project, when completed, would open up the sector centers of Jabi, Daki Biyu, Utako, and Wuye Districts and equally increase economic activities within the areas.

    Also speaking, Abdurrahman Ajiya (APC-FCT), representing Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalda and Kuje Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted the importance of good road networks to the overall development of any city.

    He commended Wike for the development strides in the nation’s capital and urged him to do more considering the huge population movement into the city.

    (NAN)

  • Abbas to Wike: you’ve made Tinubu’s administration proud

    Abbas to Wike: you’ve made Tinubu’s administration proud

    • ‘Nigeria needs $3tr investment in 30 years to close infrastructure gap’

    • FCT minister raises the alarm over influx of beggars in Abuja

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has hailed Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for the developmental projects he has established across the nation’s capital.

    He expressed joy about the minister’s performance, saying he had made President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration proud.

    Abbas spoke at the official flag–off ceremony of the construction of access road from Rind Road 1 by N16 Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District of Abuja.

    The Speaker, who was represented by Deputy Benjamin Kalu, said: “It is common knowledge that Nigeria, like many other developing nations, has an infrastructure deficit.

    “According to recent estimates, Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth. The road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.

    Read Also: Five highest paid footballers in 2024

    “Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of 5%. This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.

    “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing this infrastructure deficit.  

    “I would like to take this moment to specially commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his transformative leadership since assuming office. The honourable minister has hit the ground running, initiating projects that address the critical needs of this growing city. From road construction to urban renewal programmes, his dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is evident. We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city. I commend Wike for his transformative leadership. You have made us proud.

    “The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads, the clearing of illegal structures, and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the honourable minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient. I am confident that with the completion of this access road and other ongoing projects, residents and visitors alike will experience the positive impacts of these developments.

    “As the legislature of the FCT, the National Assembly has an important role to play in supporting these development efforts. The 10th National Assembly, which I am privileged to lead, is fully committed to collaborating with the Executive to ensure that the FCT receives the necessary legislative backing to facilitate infrastructure development.

    “We are ready to consider and pass laws that will further enhance the governance structure of the FCT and approve appropriations that will make meaningful infrastructure projects, such as this road construction, a reality…

    “Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing this infrastructure deficit.”

    Wike expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation.

    The minister said the project would be inaugurated as part of President Tinubu’s second year in office.

    He declared war on street beggars, saying: “In terms of security, let me say it clearly now. We have declared a war. Abuja is returning to beggars’ city.  I mean, if you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, from next week, we will carry them. We will take them out (of the city).

    “It is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars. They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that.”

  • Residents to Wike: fix failed streetlights on Maitama, Kubwa expressways

    Residents to Wike: fix failed streetlights on Maitama, Kubwa expressways

     The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been urged to address the problem of inadequate street lighting, which has left Maitama and Kubwa areas vulnerable to crime.

     In a statement on behalf of residents of Maitama and Kubwa, Dr. Mary Agbamuche, pleaded with the Minister to attend to their request

    According to Agbamuche, improper maintenance in many parts of the expressways has opened the way for criminal activities.

    She said the maintenance of street lighting would enhance the safety and security of residents.

    Agbamuche added: “We need streetlights to illuminate our neighbourhoods, especially at night. These dark spots are unsafe and give criminals a chance to operate under cover of darkness.

    Read Also: Speaker to Wike: you have made Tinubu’s administration proud

    “From our inquiry we gather that the Co-ordinator of AMMC is on top of the issue to ensure a contractor with capacity moves to site this week.”

    Also, a civil servant resident in Kubwa, Mr. Fabian Benjamin, said lighting up these areas would enhance Abuja’s aesthetic beauty, further aligning with its status as the country’s capital.

    He said: “Abuja is a beautiful city, but a few parts don’t reflect that because they are poorly lit. Proper lighting would enhance not just security but also the beauty of our streets.”

    The residents expressed the hope that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would expedite action on light up Maitama, Kubwa expressways, and other areas that have suffered from insufficient lighting for the past few months.They added that this would help curb criminal activities and promote a safer, visually appealing city.

  • Wike declares war on beggars in FCT streets

    Wike declares war on beggars in FCT streets

    Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared war on beggars defacing Abuja city and posing security risk.

    Wike made the declaration during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, Abuja on Tuesday.

    The minister said that the move was necessary over concerns that Abuja was turning into a beggars’ city.

    “Let me say clearly now, we have declared war on beggars because Abuja is returning to beggar’s city.

    “If you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, do something, because from next week, we will carry them; we will take them out of the city.

    “It is embarrassing that people who come into Abuja, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road,” he said.

    Wike further said that sometimes the supposed beggars may not be beggars but criminals pretending to be beggars.

    “We will not allow that.

    Read Also: Speaker to Wike: you have made Tinubu’s administration proud

    “So, I am giving a public order from now till Sunday. From Monday, we will pack them out. It’s very embarrassing.

    “We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates begging, and might be informants,” Wike said.

    He explained that the move was to ensure maximum security so that residents could sleep with their two eyes closed.

    He noted some people may not be happy with the decision, saying, “sometimes we don’t need to make you happy.

    “What is important is that we must do our work.  If you are not happy, there is nothing we can do, but for the well-being of the people, it is key.”

    (NAN) 

  • Speaker to Wike: you have made Tinubu’s administration proud

    Speaker to Wike: you have made Tinubu’s administration proud

    Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday applauded Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike for developmental projects within the nation’s capital.

    Abbas said Wike has made the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proud.

    He spoke at the official flag – off ceremony of the construction of access road from Rind Road 1 by N16 judges quarters construction of internal roads within judges quarters in Katampe district.

    The Speaker said Nigeria, like many other developing nations, has an infrastructure deficit.

    According to recent estimates, he said Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

    Abbas said the road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.

    Abbas, who was represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu said: “I would like to take this moment to specially commend Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, CON, for his transformative leadership since assuming office. The Minister has hit the ground running, initiating projects that address the critical needs of this growing city. From road construction to urban renewal programmes, his dedication to enhancing the infrastructure of the FCT is evident. We have witnessed several flag-offs, not just as ceremonial acts, but as milestones in the commitment to make Abuja a world-class city. I commend Wike for his transformative leadership. You have made us proud.

    “The ongoing rehabilitation of major roads, the clearing of illegal structures, and the focus on environmental sustainability are all testaments to the Honourable Minister’s vision of an Abuja that is not only beautiful but functional and efficient. I am confident that with the completion of this access road and other ongoing projects, residents and visitors alike will experience the positive impacts of these developments. 

    Read Also: Justices should be shielded from manipulation, says Wike

    ”As the legislature of the FCT, the National Assembly has an important role to play in supporting these development efforts. The 10th National Assembly, which I am privileged to lead, is fully committed to collaborating with the Executive to ensure that the FCT receives the necessary legislative backing to facilitate infrastructure development. We are ready to consider and pass laws that will further enhance the governance structure of the FCT and approve appropriations that will make meaningful infrastructure projects, such as this road construction, a reality.”