Ongoing rehabilitation of two major water treatment plants is behind the recent disruption in water supply across Abuja and nearby satellite towns, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed.
In a statement released Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that the affected plants are two of the four facilities responsible for producing and distributing water to FCT residents.
Due to the maintenance work, only two treatment plants remain operational, prompting the FCT Water Board to implement a water rationing system expected to last for about two weeks.
“This is not a total shutdown,” Wike clarified. “Two plants are still functioning, and SCC Nigeria Ltd. is working around the clock to complete the rehabilitation ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to store enough water to meet their needs during this period.”
He added that, in preparation for the upcoming Sallah celebrations, the two shut-down plants would be temporarily powered to support water distribution.
Wike also pointed out that the four water treatment facilities—Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4—each have a 30,000m³/hour capacity. However, due to aging infrastructure, Phases 1 and 2 had been operating below capacity, necessitating a full overhaul, including the replacement of key electro-mechanical components.
Because Phases 1 and 2 are linked, both had to be shut down simultaneously to carry out the upgrades. While Phases 3 and 4 remain in operation, they cannot fully meet demand on their own.
To reduce the impact of the disruption, the Water Board has introduced a rationing timetable that alternates supply between two main distribution lines. Wike urged residents to remain patient, stressing that the improvements will lead to more reliable water service once completed.
