By George George Idowu
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked N26.6 billion for the FCT Water Board and Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to provide a clean and a healthy environment for the residents.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this during his appearance before the Senate and House Committees on FCT in Abuja on Monday.
Presenting the proposed N1.15 trillion 2024 FCT Statutory Budget, Wike highlighted the allocation, with N9 billion designated for the water sector.
Within this allocation, N2.2 billion is set aside for water treatment chemicals, while N7.4 billion is allocated for personnel costs, overheads, and capital expenditure of the FCT Water Board.
Wike emphasized the acceleration of the Greater Abuja Water Project, funded partly through a China Exim Bank Loan, which aims to extend water supply to approximately 26 districts and layouts within the FCT
According to him, plans are underway to introduce Public Private Partnerships for the installation of pre-paid water meters to enhance revenue generation and minimize wastage.
Addressing environmental concerns, Wike outlined a budget of N17.6 billion for the AEPB to uphold cleanliness and health standards in the FCT.
Notably, city cleaning contracts require over N7 billion annually, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant demands about N2.5 billion per year.
Plans for a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in 2024 are also underway.
Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, and Muktar Betara, respectively, praised the minister for his efforts and pledged full support from the National Assembly.
