The Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has commenced a tour of completed and ongoing projects across various communities within the council, starting with an inspection of road projects in Kugbo, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Karshi, and other areas.
During the tour on Wednesday, Maikalangu visited the Kugbo community, where he inspected a newly completed 1.5km asphalt road with drainages.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work, stating that the project would ease movement and boost economic activities in the area.
However, the inspection at Jikwoyi Phase 2 revealed challenges. Maikalangu expressed disappointment with the quality of the road project, which has begun to show signs of deterioration just months after its completion.
“This is unacceptable,” Maikalangu said after observing cracks and potholes along the newly constructed road. “The people of Jikwoyi deserve better infrastructure. I have instructed the contractor to return to the site and fix these issues immediately. Our administration is committed to delivering quality projects that stand the test of time.”
Despite the setback at Jikwoyi, Maikalangu remained optimistic about other projects within the area. He inspected ongoing road constructions at Angwan Hausawa and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Nyanya, as well as a completed 2.5km road at Kpeyegyi Phase 2.
He also visited Karu, where he inspected an 800-metre road project alongside a solar-powered borehole aimed at improving water supply in the community.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that all parts of AMAC benefit from meaningful infrastructure development. This is part of our promise to improve the lives of residents,” Maikalangu said, highlighting the impact of projects such as the 33kva rural electrification at Cheta community, which had been without power for decades.
Residents of Cheta expressed their appreciation for the electrification project, with one community leader stating, “For years, we lived in darkness, but thanks to the efforts of Chairman Maikalangu, we finally have electricity. This will change our lives for the better.”
The inspection also covered a completed Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School at Wassa and the fencing of Takushara community market, both of which are part of the administration’s efforts to enhance education and commerce.
“As you can see today, I’m the happiest person because the job is being executed by our council. They are all here, and you can see it for yourself. So, I chose today to inspect the whole project to ensure that what I’m signing off on in the office is actually being done.
“It’s not just about signing and giving money to people without seeing the work. That’s why I had to come and inspect the job myself. To God be the glory, I’m satisfied. Let me say I can give all my contractors 90% because a few of them have messed up somewhere.
“By the grace of God, they’ll do the needful. That’s why retention is always kept, so if you default, you won’t receive that money. But if you work and deliver what is expected, you get all your money.
“So, by the grace of God, as you can see for yourself, they have done well. This is phase one. Today is phase one. Next week, we are going to Airport Road for phase two of the inspection.
“For today, we have to stop because if we were to continue, honestly, there are places I don’t know if you are aware of in our city, in AMAC. There are places you can’t even reach by car; you have to use a bike to get there.
“For today, let’s stop here. Next week, we’ll go ahead. It’s been there for years. That’s why, when I got there, I didn’t like the structures. I’ve authorized my department to pull it down and replace it with a modern healthcare facility. Not something like that.
My boss, the Minister of the FCT, is playing his part. Then we, as the executive chairmen, are doing our best at the local level.
“That is the very annoying part because people don’t listen. This is a road meant for vehicles, but why should you go there and dump your waste? Look at how they’ve blocked the whole drainage. It’s not fair.
Maikalangu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects while ensuring that the highest standards of quality are met. “We will not tolerate substandard work. AMAC residents deserve nothing less than the best,” he emphasized.
The Executive Chairman’s tour will continue in the coming days as he evaluates more projects across the council area.
