Abuja Water Shortage Linked To Ongoing Rehabilitation Works – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained that the current water shortage affecting Abuja City Centre and surrounding satellite towns is due to ongoing rehabilitation at two of the four major water treatment plants serving the area.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike stated that water supply would be rationed over the next two weeks as a result of these upgrades. The Minister said that while two treatment plants remain operational, the other two have been temporarily shut down to allow for critical rehabilitation work. He appealed for residents’ understanding, assuring them that the repairs are intended to enhance water service delivery and will be completed within a fortnight.

To reduce the impact of the shortage during the upcoming Sallah celebrations, Wike noted that the two shut-down plants will be temporarily reactivated to boost water supply for the festive period.

Providing further context, Wike explained, “The FCT Water Board operates four treatment plants with a combined capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per hour, divided into Phases 1 through 4. Due to inefficiencies and reduced output, a rehabilitation contract was awarded to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited.”

He said significant progress has been made on Phases 1 and 2, where core electro-mechanical components—the main drivers of the treatment system—are being replaced and reinstalled. This has necessitated a full shutdown of those two plants, which are interconnected. While Phases 3 and 4 remain in operation, Wike acknowledged that they alone cannot meet the water demands of the entire FCT.

He clarified that the shutdown is only partial, not total, as potable water continues to be produced from the remaining plants, though supply disruptions are expected.

Wike assured residents that contractors are working diligently to expedite the process and finish ahead of schedule. In the meantime, he urged households to store sufficient water to meet their daily needs.

“To cushion the effect of this temporary shortage, the Water Board has created a rationing timetable, alternating supply between Lines 1 and 2 in the distribution network,” he added. “Residents are advised to store enough water to cope during this period.”