Leadership (Abuja)
Golu Timothy
8 January 2009
In spite of its present level of physical and transformational development, Abuja, the nation's capital, (FCT) is only 22 percent developed, the Minister, of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Adamu Aliero, has said. The minister pledged to accelerate the development of the capital city in line with the dream of its founding fathers.
As usual, with all new FCT ministers, Aliero also announced the suspension of all land allocation and related matters apparently to enable him take stock and resolve contentious issues.
Speaking with FCT correspondents at his office after being decorated with the armed forces emblem, Aliero said his administration will open up new districts and expand satellite towns as a way of decongesting the Federal City Centre, (FCC) and making life more bearable to those living outside the city centre. 'I will open up new districts and provide them with adequate infrastructure, but owners of the plots landed properties should be prepared to pay levies that will be imposed as a way of recovering the cost of infrastructure. As it is now, only 22 percent of Abuja has been developed and that is not encouraging. We must achieve 35 per centbefore the end of 2009.I will accelerate the pace of development so as to make life better for our people. In doing this, we shall adhere strictly by the rules of the Abuja master plan in all its ramifications".
Aliero listed areas of priority to include, security, street lighting, sanitation, water, and access roads. 'Security of lives and property will remain our top priority. As part of measures, we have directed that all parks and gardens that operate social activities close everyday by 7pm for security reasons. This is because such areas are being abused and misused for illegal activities by unscrupulous persons to cause security problems for the people. We are also considering providing generating sets to power our street lights especially along the airport roads, and other key areas, so as to improve on the beautification of the capital city. I have just embarked on inspection of some resettlement sites where we saw houses that were built. We shall provide access roads; water and electricity to enable residents enjoy life. After putting in place such amenities, then we can comfortably relocate and resettle the indigenous natives. I will also improve on satellite towns and build five new general hospitals for the people. All these have been provided for in the 2009 budget which will be presented to the National Assembly this week', he added'
Aliero took over from Dr Aliyu Umar Modibbo and promised to continue with most of what he met on ground, commending both Modibbo and his predecessor, Malam Nasir eI-Rufai for their respective achievements.
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