The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has addressed the ongoing disruption of water supply in Abuja and its satellite towns, attributing the issue to the extensive rehabilitation of two key water treatment plants.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that the rehabilitation of two out of the four water treatment plants supplying the FCT is currently underway. The rehabilitation works are part of a broader effort to improve the water supply infrastructure in the city, which has been underperforming due to outdated equipment.
Wike clarified that the disruption in water supply is not a total shutdown but a rationing of water, which will last for two weeks. He assured residents that two other plants continue to operate, though they would not be able to meet the full demand for water.
“The rehabilitation work is progressing rapidly, with SCC Nigeria Ltd. working around the clock to ensure completion before the set deadline,” Wike stated. He also called on residents to conserve water during this period and store enough supplies to meet their needs.
While the two plants undergoing rehabilitation are shut down for the time being, they will be temporarily powered to ensure water supply during the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades
The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants, with a combined capacity of 30,000m³ per hour. The plants are organized into four phases, but issues with the existing electro-mechanical equipment have led to reduced production capacity. A contract for rehabilitation was awarded to SCC Nigeria Ltd., which is working on replacing and reinstalling critical machinery in Phases 1 and 2 of the plants.
“This rehabilitation work involves the replacement of essential electro-mechanical equipment, which is vital for the efficient operation of the plants,” Wike explained. He added that although Phases 3 and 4 are operational, they are currently unable to meet the full demand of FCT residents.
Water Rationing
To mitigate the effects of the disruption, the FCT Water Board has implemented a rationing schedule, alternating water supply between distribution lines 1 and 2. This measure is designed to reduce the adverse impact of the limited supply, though Wike urged residents to bear with the government as they work towards resolving the issue.
Wike concluded by expressing confidence that the completed rehabilitation of the plants would result in a more reliable and sustainable water supply system for the FCT.