Senate President David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and other principal officers of the
National Assembly have rejected the choice of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Districts, in Maitama Extension, as location for the building of their official residences, saying the place was vulnerable to attacks.
They urged the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)to build the houses within the three Arms zone which is easily accessible .
Director of Public Building in the FCDA, Arc. Bernard Lot who disclosed this to Journalists over the weekend in Abuja, said the security concern expressed by NASS leaders has been accept and site clearance for the construction of the houses within the preferred location has commenced.
He said he houses which are in advance stages at the former location would still be completed and converted into guest Houses for the National Assembly.
He said NASS rejection of the former Maitam Extension District, renamed after President Jonathan is base on it hidden location adding that plots within the area are yet to be developed by others making the area lonely.
According to him, the construction of the house remain one of its major project in view of it importance to the conduct of both state and legislative affairs by presiding officers of the two chambers.
On the building of official quarters for Vice President, Nnamadi Sambo, the director said that non budgetary provision hindered the early completion of the project saying that work is still ongoing.
Lot disclosed that the project is on its 2nd phase of implementation strategy which aims at catering for needs such as furniture ,security installations, Guest House and Banquet hall respectively.
He said FCDA has applied to the Federal Executive Council for variation of the contract to a minimum of 15 percent of the contract sum.
He said if the variation is approved and funds for the project release on time, the house would be ready for use by the Vice President in the 1st quarter of next year.
The director stated that the actual construction is expected to be completed soon. “But the issues of furniture, security among others is what will take it up the 1st quarter may April”.
Lot also assured that the 69 Billion Millennium Tower and Cultural centre being built at the Central Area of Abuja Federal Capital City is to would be completed by December next year
Director of Public Building, Architect Bernard Lot disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing by four Directors of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on activities and achievements of the authority.
Lot said a total of N34 billion has so far been spent on the Millennium Tower project leaving a balance of N35 billion. He said that the monumental project has gone very far. He disclosed that some components of the project would be ready this year while the rest are billed for completion by October next subject to budgetary allocation.