Water supply disruptions currently affecting Abuja’s city centre and several surrounding satellite towns are the result of ongoing rehabilitation works on two of the capital’s main treatment plants, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister explained that the repair project, which affects Phases 1 and 2 of the FCT’s four water treatment plants, has necessitated a temporary shutdown, leading to reduced water availability.
“The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants of 30,000 cubic metres per hour, divided into Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4,” Wike stated. “As a result of the inefficiency of the plants, which are currently producing below their installed capacity, a contract was awarded for their rehabilitation to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited.”
He added that the ongoing work has reached an advanced stage, particularly on the first two phases, where critical electro-mechanical components are being replaced and reinstalled.
“This warranted a total shutdown of the two plants, which are interconnected,” he noted. “However, Phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operational but won’t sustain, meet or cater for the demand of the populace.”
The Minister clarified that the situation does not represent a total shutdown of water supply in the FCT, but rather a partial disruption, as two treatment plants remain in operation.
To manage the impact, the FCT Water Board has adopted a water-rationing strategy by alternating distribution across two key lines.
“Consequently, to minimise the adverse effects on FCT residents, the Water Board has made a timetable on rationing by alternating between Lines 1 and 2 of the distribution networks,” Wike explained.
He advised residents to store enough water to meet their domestic needs over the next two weeks, during which the repair work is expected to be completed.
In anticipation of increased demand during the upcoming Sallah celebration, the Minister announced that the two plants currently undergoing rehabilitation will be temporarily reactivated to support the festive period.
“We are appealing for residents’ understanding. The upgrade is aimed at improving service delivery and will be completed within two weeks,” Wike assured.
According to FCT Water Board data, demand for potable water in Abuja has consistently outpaced supply capacity in recent years, especially in rapidly expanding satellite towns such as Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Karshi, and Nyanya. The ongoing rehabilitation is part of a broader effort to modernise public utility infrastructure and ensure more reliable service.
Contractors SCC Nigeria Limited are reportedly working around the clock to fast-track the repairs and minimise disruption.
Residents have been urged to stay informed through official FCT Water Board communication channels for updates on rationing schedules.
