Wike Kicks Off Karu Water Project, Pledges 2026 Delivery

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday commenced the construction and expansion of water supply to Karu Town and surrounding communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), under Lot 2 of the FCT Satellite Towns Water Project.

Speaking at the event, Wike described Karu as a fast-growing urban centre that should no longer be regarded merely as a satellite town.

He recalled that the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise during the commissioning of the Abuja Greater Water Project in June to extend potable water to FCT satellite communities.

“Yesterday, we were in Bwari to kick off Lot 1. Today we are here for Karu, Orozo, Kurudu and other neighbouring communities. Water is life, and even more important than roads, because we cannot do without it,” Wike said.

The Minister assured residents that with the accelerated payment arrangement approved by the President, 60 per cent of the contract sum already released—the project would be completed ahead of schedule.

“Initially this job was to take 18 months, but by the special grace of God, by June next year, we will return to commission it and Karu people will no longer depend on untreated borehole water,” he added.

Wike urged community leaders and youths to support the contractors to ensure timely delivery of the project, stressing that the administration was determined to keep its covenant with the people.

The Deputy Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, Lv Haiming, explained that the project will deliver about 194 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines to strengthen the municipal water network.

On completion, the scheme will supply safe drinking water to nearly 334,000 residents of Karu and its environs, covering an administrative area of approximately 76 square kilometres. Only about a quarter of the population currently has access to municipal water.

“This project is a critical upgrade of municipal infrastructure that will not only improve living conditions but also support livelihoods and promote social equity,” Haiming noted.

Wike also hinted that similar projects would extend to Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji area councils before the end of the administration’s tenure.