Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, voiced displeasure on Saturday with the exorbitant cost of building in Abuja.
Wike made the statement while visiting the Zeberced Limited Quarry, West Africa’s largest quarry, which is located in Abuja’s Kubwa District. The FCT Minister noted that the visit was at the invitation of Zeberced Group’s Managing Director, Ayden Adil Kurt, to see Quarry operations.
Wike was amazed by the massive size of industrial activity at the quarry, which included the manufacture of gravel, stone dust, and asphalt, among other things, and praised the company for its efforts and commitment to the project.
The Minister, who was also encouraged by the quarry’s activities, wondered why contractors continued to quote high charges for development projects in the FCT when the necessary raw materials were easily accessible at the quarry.
He stated, “The Managing Director has constantly urged me to come and observe what they are doing at the facility, which is the largest quarry in West Africa. I took advantage of the opportunity to observe the environment and what they are doing.
“That demonstrates that the cost of construction should not be prohibitively expensive, especially in the FCT. Aside from the foreign equipment employed in this quarry, the raw material is available locally, and I’m curious why contractors will discuss aggregate costs as if they were imported. They aren’t imported.They’re made here.
“So, I’d like to encourage this company.It’s incredible that we have this type of industry going on here, and according to the MD, there are over 800 residents who work directly here.
” The minister, who had also expressed worries about the quarry’s environmental impact, was reassured by the Managing Director that the environmental impact assessment showed that the company had followed the required standards.
Wike also commended the Zeberced Group for its decision to expand the entrance road to the Abuja Industrial Park, which the firm is also working on in the Idu Industrial District, and assured the government of its continuing support.
He stated: “This is the same firm that is attempting to establish an Industrial Park in Idu, and we will provide all required assistance. “As of yesterday, I sent a letter to the Ministry of Finance on the tax credit, allowing them to convert the other one-way carriage into a double carriage, which is being completed by Salini Construction Company.
Earlier, Ayden Adil Kurt, Managing Director of Zeberced Group, stated that the stone quarry can produce 3000 tonnes per hour.
