In Abuja: FCT Districts in Phase I, II 80% Developed – FCDA

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Executive Secretary, Umar Jibril said on Wednesday that about 80 per cent of the districts in phase one comprising of Garki, Wuse, Maitama and Asokoro have been developed.

Jibril stated this at a news briefing to commemorate two years of the present administration in Abuja.

“These districts have been serviced with roads, water, electricity, sewer lines and telecommunications ducts, while work is still in progress in the Central Area and Guzape districts.

“In phase II of the city, provision of infrastructural facilities in Utako, Jabi and Gudu districts have been completed while works are at various stages of completion in Wuye and Jahi districts.

“In phase II, works are also at various stages of implementation at Karmo, Idu and Mbora districts,’’ he said.

He noted that in addition to the initial districts specified in the Abuja Master Plan, Katampe Extension, Maitama Extension and Guzape districts were later created.

He added that works have been completed in Asokoro Extension and Katampe Extension while work is in progress in Guzape district.

Jibril said the five districts phase II and III namely Katampe, Mabushi, Durumi, Kao and Gwarimpa 1 were identified and approved in 2006 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for execution using Public Private Partnership model.

According to him, the Katampe District Infrastructure Development in phase II of the city; being the PPP pilot scheme, is currently ongoing with about 23 per cent completion recorded.

The executive secretary disclosed that not much progress has been recorded in the phase IV and V districts development due to funding.

“Initially, the development of the city was designed to be in four phases with clearly defined target population of 1.3 million inhabitants.

“However, the sudden population influx into the city, which was initially triggered by the early movement of the seat government from Lagos to Abuja, has itself created pressure on the earlier developed phases of the city.

“The pressure to open up new areas of growth and have a befitting entrance into city, therefore, has become necessary to extend the development of the city in line with its founding principles,’’ he said.

Jibril said that from the city gate to the airport was thus declared as phase V of the Federal Capital City.(NAN)