Wike Explains Water Shortage in Abuja, Says Rehabilitation of Treatment Plants Underway
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has shed light on the recent water shortage crisis affecting residents of Abuja, assuring the public that comprehensive rehabilitation of the city’s water treatment facilities is currently in progress.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Wike explained that the water supply disruption in various parts of the city was due to ongoing technical works on the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant and other key infrastructure that feed the city’s water distribution network.
According to him, the FCT Administration is fully aware of the inconvenience the shortage has caused, especially to households and businesses. He emphasized that the situation is temporary and will be resolved as soon as the rehabilitation works are completed.
“We regret the hardship residents are facing due to the water scarcity. However, we are carrying out essential rehabilitation on major treatment plants that have been long overdue for servicing. These works are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability of potable water for the FCT,” Wike said.
He further disclosed that most of the water treatment plants in Abuja have not received any significant upgrade in over a decade, which has led to reduced efficiency and compromised output. The rehabilitation project, he noted, is aimed at restoring the plants to full operational capacity.
The Minister assured that the FCT Water Board, in collaboration with relevant engineering teams, is working round the clock to fast-track the repairs. He added that the administration is also exploring alternative water sources in the interim to cushion the impact on residents.
Wike said, “This is a difficult but necessary phase in improving basic infrastructure in Abuja. We are committed to ensuring that the capital city functions at world-class standards, and uninterrupted water supply is a key part of that vision.”
He appealed to Abuja residents to remain patient and cooperate with the authorities as efforts are intensified to complete the rehabilitation in the shortest possible time.
The water shortage has been a source of concern for many residents, with several communities in areas like Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Maitama, Asokoro, and parts of Lugbe experiencing low or no water pressure for days. Some households and businesses have resorted to purchasing water from private vendors at inflated prices, further straining their budgets.
Health experts have also warned of potential public health risks if the shortage continues unchecked, as access to clean water is essential for hygiene and disease prevention.
In response, the FCT Water Board has increased public engagement through announcements and updates on the progress of the repair works. Water tankers have been dispatched to some affected communities to provide temporary relief, although the demand still outweighs supply.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has also begun consultations with international partners and development agencies to support its long-term water infrastructure goals. These include plans for expanding water supply to new districts and enhancing pipeline distribution to reduce leakages and losses.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. While some appreciate the government’s transparency and acknowledge the need for maintenance, others are urging for quicker action due to the severe impact on their daily lives.
A resident of Kubwa, Mrs. Titi Adebayo, said, “We understand that maintenance must happen, but we just wish it had been planned better. The water shortage has made things very hard for families like mine.”
Despite the challenges, Wike remains optimistic. He reassured the public that the projects are not abandoned and that the FCT is undergoing a process of renewal that will ultimately improve basic services across the board.
“We are building a better Abuja for everyone. Short-term discomfort is sometimes the price for long-term gain. I want to personally thank Abuja residents for their resilience and understanding,” he concluded.