1 week ago
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr Nyesom Wike, has through the bus terminal initiative in Abuja, created over 3,000 jobs for residents.
Wike had in July last year, inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals, one each in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo.
The minister disclosed that the decision became necessary in order to ensure a secured and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT and further create job opportunities for residents.
Project manager Planet Projects, Mr Rasheed Sholadoye, the contractor executing the projects, revealed that the 3,000 workers comprised both skilled, unskilled artisans and security.
Mr Sholadoye explained that part of the conditions in the contract was for the company to employ residents in the execution of the project as part of FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.
“FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them.
“You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction.
“It’s difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses,” he said.
He added that, while the construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo commenced in July 2024, that of Central Area commenced two months later.
He explained that the delay followed the relocation of some underground facilities at the project site located close to Eagle Square.
The project manager expressed optimism that despite the delay, the projects were still on track and would be delivered as scheduled.
He disclosed that the Mabushi bus terminal has reached 92 percent completion, the one in Kugbo is currently at 85 per cent completion while that of Central Area is about 50 per cent.
“Hopefully with our schedule and programme of work, by the grace of God, the terminals in Mabushi and Kubo will be ready for inauguration by the end of February.
“On the other hand, the one in Central Area will be ready in May.
“The projects are all-encompassing with commercial activities in all the terminals, including cinema halls, where people can relax while waiting for their bus.
“We are bringing state of the art facilities, especially the one in Central Area. It will be a terminal that the people of Abuja will love to see and enjoy,” he said.
Some of the workers at the sites, who lauded the initiative, thanked Wike for putting food on their table.
A 29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, who lives in Kubwa, said the project has provided him with a stable job.
On her part, a 31-year-old mother of four, Mrs Abigail Daniel, a cleaner at the Mabushi terminal, expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.
Daniel said she was working as a house help but lost the job when her employer travelled out of the country.
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