FCT Minister’s alledged diversion of FEC approved N1 billion for Gwagwalada township road triggers protest

Thousands of protesters on Saturday thronged to streets of Gwagwalada with placards calling on President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention on the abandoned township roads in Gwagwalada Area Council.

They asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Musa Bello to complete access road from Martei Dei, Almohass and Living Stone which have been abandoned after the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has approved the sum of N1 billion.

CAPITAL POST correspondent who witnessed the protest reports that residents of Kutunku and its environs take to the streets demonstrating FCT minister’s disdain for the people in the Federal Capital Territory.

A protester, who identifies himself as David Shekwo told our correspondent that the township road project between Radio House, Kutunku, Jeremiah Useni road and others have been abandoned.

He alleged that approval of N1 billion late last year by the Federal Executive Council for the township road projects has been diverted by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

“We have it on good authority that fund meant for these project which was approved by FEC has been diverted by the Minister.

“You can see dust everywhere. We are finding it difficult to cope with dust. We call on Mr. President to intervene. When rainy season comes, it will be horrible because of erosion. Please, please tell Mr. President.”

They also appeal to the Minister of FCT to open up another linkage road from Martei -Dei Catholic Church, Almohass Secondary School and Living Stone Schools to other parts of the town to reduce hardships.

This is a result of incessant dust being witnessed by residents plying the roads on daily basis, saying people staying in the area have now been turned to villagers.

Some residents who spoke separately with CAPITAL POST opined that the red dust occassioned by the construction of the road has been a serious inconvenience to road users and residents.

They complained that contractors would come and dump dust on the road in the guise of constructing it and for months, they would not be seen.

The road leading to Old Kutunku has been under construction for about two years now with no sign of completion, while the one linking Gwagwalada market, Martei Dei is in complete bad shape.

‘We are tired of the stress of bad roads in Gwagwalada town despite the approval of funds of over 1 Billion Naira late last year by FEC to construct Kwali-Gwagwagalada township roads.’

They appeal to the two Minister’s of FCT to redouble efforts at bringing the area Council at par with others in terms of development.

They also plead with the Minister to complete the ongoing projects and open up other areas of the town.

Effort to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye for his reaction wasn’t possible as hjs line was not connecting before going to the press.