President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the Bwari Township Water Supply Network Project, declaring that access to clean water is a fundamental right and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to extending critical infrastructure to underserved communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President said the commissioning of the 198-kilometre water pipeline network marked another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that his administration was determined to bridge the development gap between Abuja city centre and the satellite towns.
Represented at the ceremony held at Bwari on Tuesday, Tinubu said the project demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was “not a slogan but a contract” with Nigerians to deliver tangible development.
He recalled that when he assumed office three years ago, his administration promised that development would no longer be concentrated in urban centres while rural and satellite communities remained neglected.
“For too long, the narrative of Abuja has been a tale of two cities, a glittering centre surrounded by underserved communities. We said no. That era is gone. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and development must be decentralised,” he said.
The President noted that after commissioning water and road projects in Karu last month, the government had now fulfilled its promise to residents of Bwari through the completion of the modern water network.
According to him, the project was initiated after FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike presented a master plan showing that residents of Bwari, Ushafa and neighbouring communities depended largely on untreated boreholes and streams for water.
“Water is life. Clean water is dignity. It is a fundamental right, not a luxury,” Tinubu declared.
He said he directed the minister to immediately mobilise resources for the project and ensured prompt approval and release of funds to guarantee timely completion.
Constructed by China Geo-engineering Construction (CGC) Limited, the project connects Bwari Township and adjoining communities directly to the Lower Usuma Dam treated water system.
Tinubu said beyond providing potable water, the project would significantly reduce waterborne diseases, eliminate dependence on unsafe water sources and create new economic opportunities.
“I am told that this project alone has generated over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for our youths. This is just the beginning,” he said.
The President also assured residents that the ongoing water expansion programme would soon cover Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji before the end of his administration.
He commended the FCT Minister, describing him as “Mr. Project” for driving rapid infrastructure development across the territory.
“From boosting the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue to executing 31 landmark projects simultaneously—from roads to housing and now water—you have proven to be a reliable champion of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu said.
He urged residents to safeguard the facility against vandalism, stressing that public infrastructure belonged to the people and should be protected for future generations.
Earlier, Wike said the Bwari Water Supply Network formed part of projects being commissioned to commemorate President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, describing the event as the 25th project commissioning under the ongoing exercise.
He recalled that following the commissioning of the Abuja City Water Scheme during the President’s second anniversary, Tinubu directed the FCT Administration to extend potable water to satellite towns.
According to him, the administration fulfilled that directive first in Karu, where the Vice President recently commissioned a similar project, and has now delivered the Bwari scheme.
“Since President Tinubu assumed office, we have provided water for the city centre, water for Karu and adjoining communities, and today, water for Bwari. Let people know that we are not concentrating only on roads; we are also transforming other critical sectors,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that virtually all roads in Ushafa and Bwari had been completed and commissioned, while the 17-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road would also be commissioned before the end of the year.
He further revealed that the Bwari project marked the 50th officially commissioned infrastructure project under President Tinubu’s administration, adding that another 10 projects would be inaugurated before January next year.
Wike attributed the pace of infrastructure delivery in the FCT to the President’s unwavering support, saying the administration had consistently provided the political backing and financial resources needed to execute projects.
“You can be a minister, but without the support of the President it is difficult to perform. President Tinubu has given the FCT every support required to change the narrative, and we will continue to ensure that the people of the FCT enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
In her vote of thanks, the minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the Bwari Water Supply Network as a major milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the project fulfilled a longstanding promise to residents and would improve access to clean water, enhance public health, boost livelihoods and strengthen public confidence in government.
Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to developing the nation’s capital and praised Wike’s leadership in accelerating infrastructure delivery, particularly in previously underserved satellite communities.
She also appreciated members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, development partners, engineers, contractors and the people of Bwari for their support, while urging residents to protect the facility and use water responsibly to ensure its sustainability.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to delivering more people-centred infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents across the territory.
