(Ecofin Agency) - The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the awarding of a contract worth $470million for the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project. The project aims to provide potable water supply to the greater part of the city.

“This project, which is being funded by the China EXIM Bank, is to provide water to what we call loops 1, 2, 5 and 6. The overall plan for Abuja has 10 loops of which loops 3 and 4 are already operational, providing water to Garki, Asokoro and the Central Business District,” Mohammed Bello (photo), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said.

According to him, the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant and the Wupa Water Treatment Plant in Abuja would be used for the project.

Bello revealed that the FEC also awarded a contract of N186m ($598,000) for the supply of 1, 000 tonnes of alum to the FCT Water Board. This contract was awarded to a local manufacturing company “in line with the federal government local-content policy.” “This will encourage investors employing labour to be able to continue in their businesses,” he added.

Anita Fatunji