FCT approves Utako hospital completion and upgrades for 14 facilities

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has approved the resumption of work on the abandoned Utako General Hospital and upgrades at 14 other general hospitals. FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services Adedolapo Fasawe announced the decisions after the FCT Executive Council meeting chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike. She said the Utako intervention would cover construction, equipment and staffing so the facility could provide healthcare services when completed.

The 14 existing hospitals are to receive new medical equipment, including X-ray machines and diagnostic materials. Hospital theatres will also be upgraded, with the administration saying the measures are intended to improve access to reliable and affordable healthcare in the territory. Fasawe added that the administration was continuing to meet its obligations to health insurance providers and health maintenance organisations through regular payment of premiums and capitation.

The council considered 20 memoranda from departments and agencies. It approved digitalisation of the FCT High Court, covering about 67 courtrooms across its judicial divisions, and contracts for supplying examination materials to primary, junior secondary and senior secondary school students. Education Mandate Secretary Danlami Hayyo said the school initiative was part of broader work on renovations, classrooms and instructional support.

He said the improvements had prompted some parents to move their children from private to public schools. The Satellite Towns Development Department also received approval for a N5.703 billion contract to construct a 33KV electricity line from Dawaki to Tukulo and nearby villages in Bwari Area Council. The contract was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited and is scheduled for completion within eight months.

Two completed satellite-town road projects were also ratified.