President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the Bwari Township Water Supply Network in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to extending access to potable water to underserved communities across the nation’s capital.

The President, who was represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the ceremony held at the Bwari Market Roundabout, described the project as a major milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging that similar water infrastructure would be extended to Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji before the end of his administration.

Tinubu said the provision of clean water formed a critical component of his government’s commitment to inclusive development, insisting that residents of satellite towns deserved the same level of infrastructure available in the city centre.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is a contract. It is a deliberate, calculated and unyielding commitment to governance that works for the people,” he said.

According to the President, his administration is determined to end decades of uneven development in the FCT by ensuring that rural and satellite communities were no longer neglected in the provision of basic infrastructure.

“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 stated.

Tinubu recalled that after reviewing the proposal presented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, he directed that the project be executed without delay to address the long-standing water challenges confronting residents of Bwari, Ushafa and neighbouring communities.

He said the newly completed water network, executed by China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC) Limited, would connect Bwari Township and adjoining communities directly to the treated water supply from the Lower Usuma Dam.

Describing access to clean water as a fundamental right rather than a luxury, the President said the project would significantly reduce dependence on untreated boreholes and streams while helping to curb waterborne diseases.

He added that the project had also generated over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths, creating fresh economic opportunities within the area council.

Tinubu noted that the Bwari project followed the rehabilitation of the Lower Usuma Dam Phase II and the recent commissioning of the Karu water supply network, assuring residents that similar projects would soon reach other satellite towns.

“By the grace of Almighty God, before our tenure is through, this water revolution will fully cover Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji,” he assured.

The President commended Wike for driving infrastructure development across the FCT, describing him as “Mr. Project” whose fiscal discipline and commitment had accelerated the delivery of critical public projects.

He also praised the minister’s efforts in boosting the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and overseeing the execution of multiple infrastructure projects spanning roads, housing and water supply.

Tinubu urged residents to protect the facility from vandalism, stressing that public infrastructure could only deliver lasting benefits when properly maintained by host communities.

Speaking at the event, Wike said the Bwari water scheme formed part of the projects being commissioned to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, noting that the administration had deliberately expanded infrastructure development beyond Abuja city.

He recalled that after the commissioning of the Abuja city water project during the President’s second anniversary, Tinubu directed that potable water should be extended to satellite towns.

According to him, the directive had already resulted in the completion of water supply projects in Karu and surrounding communities, with Bwari becoming the latest beneficiary.

“Let people know that we are not only concentrating on roads; we are also making sure other sectors are being touched. That is why we are here,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that virtually all roads in Ushafa had been completed and expressed confidence that the 17-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road would be commissioned before the end of the year.

He also revealed that Tuesday’s ceremony marked the 50th official project commissioned under the Tinubu administration since May 29, 2023, adding that at least 10 additional projects would be completed before the commencement of the 2027 election campaigns.

Wike attributed the pace of infrastructure delivery in the FCT to the consistent support and funding provided by President Tinubu, saying such backing had enabled the administration to transform the capital territory.

In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the Bwari Water Supply Network as a major achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda and a fulfilment of government’s promise to improve access to essential services in satellite communities.

She said the project would improve public health, enhance livelihoods and strengthen public confidence in government, while commending President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in the FCT.

Mahmoud also praised Wike’s leadership in accelerating project delivery across the territory and appealed to residents to safeguard the facility and use water responsibly to ensure its long-term sustainability.

She 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 nation’s capital.