The Federal Capital Territory Administration has approved the renovation and upgrading of its 14 general hospitals, while work is set to resume on the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital. This decision was made during the 19th meeting of the FCT Executive Council, presided over by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The meeting was attended by Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, and other key officials. The council considered 20 memoranda from various secretariats, departments, and agencies.
The Mandate Secretary, Health Secretariat and Environmental Services, Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed that the council approved the immediate commencement of renovation, rehabilitation, and upgrading of all 14 general hospitals in the territory. The intervention will include the procurement of new medical equipment, diagnostic facilities, and X-ray machines, as well as the upgrading of hospital theatres. This move aims to strengthen the availability of quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services for FCT residents.
Fasawe also revealed that Wike directed the commencement of work on the Utako General Hospital, which had remained abandoned for years. The project will cover the construction, equipping, and staffing of the facility. The measures are part of efforts to improve healthcare services in the FCT. Additionally, the administration has continued to meet its financial obligations to health insurance providers and Health Maintenance Organisations through the payment of premiums and capitation.
In the education sector, the council approved two contracts for the provision of examination materials for pupils and students in primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools across the FCT. Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, stated that the approval was part of efforts to consolidate the administration's ongoing transformation of public schools. The improvement in public school infrastructure has encouraged some parents to transfer their children from private schools to public schools.
The Satellite Towns Development Department secured approval for a N5.703bn contract for the construction of a 33KVA power supply line from Dawaki to Tukulo and surrounding villages in Bwari Area Council. The project, awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited, is expected to be completed within eight months. The council also ratified two previously completed and commissioned road projects in the satellite towns, including the Gaba-Tukulo Road and a two-span river bridge in Bwari Area Council.
The Department of Land Administration secured approval for three memoranda aimed at improving its operations and strengthening revenue collection. The council approved the procurement of utility vehicles and an integrated ICT infrastructure and related accessories for the department. The ICT upgrade will include desktop computers, workstations, display screens, scanners, network switches, fibre-optic connections, data-centre servers, monitoring systems, and cooling systems.
The FCT Water Board secured approval for two memoranda, including the supply of powdered chlorine for water treatment. Acting General Manager of the Water Board, Chinyere Elechi, stated that the chemical is essential for disinfecting water and eliminating pathogenic microorganisms before distribution to consumers. The council also approved the renewal of insurance for facilities associated with the Lower Usman Dam Treatment Plant.
Key points
- FCT Administration to revive abandoned Utako General Hospital and upgrade 14 other hospitals.
- Council approves contracts for digitisation of FCT High Court and provision of examination materials for public schools.
- FCT Administration invests in infrastructure development, including power supply lines and road projects.
