Wike explains disruption of water supply in FCT.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed the interruption of water delivery in Abuja and certain satellite towns on the current significant restoration of two water treatment plants.
Wike made the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
He stated that the treatment plants were one of four facilities responsible for producing and supplying water to FCT residents.
The minister stated that due to the ongoing restoration of the plants, water supplies from the two operational treatment plants would be limited for two weeks.
“The citizens of FCT are experiencing a partial, rather than complete, shutdown of their water supply, while two of the water treatment plants are still operational.
“SCC Nigeria Ltd. is, nevertheless, working around the clock to guarantee that the repair is completed ahead of schedule. Residents are asked to stockpile enough water to meet their needs during this time since supplies will be rationed,” he said.
The minister urged citizens to be patient with the FCT Administration, telling them that when the restoration was completed, the FCT’s water supply would improve.
However, he announced that the FCT Water Board would temporarily power the two renovation plants to supply residents with water during the Sallah festivities.
The FCT Water Board maintains four water treatment plants with a capacity of 30,000 m³/hour, separated into phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. Messrs SCC Nigeria Ltd was given a contract to rehabilitate the plants due to their inefficiency since they are now generating below their installed capacity.
“The restoration work has moved to Phases 1 and 2, where the electromechanical equipment, which is the primary mover of the treatment facilities, will be rebuilt and reinstalled.
“This required a complete shutdown of the two interconnected plants. However, he stated that while phases 3 and 4 water treatment plants are operating, they will not be able to sustain, meet, or respond to the population’s expectations.
Wike stated that the Water Board had established a rationing schedule that alternated between lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network.
This, he claims, will mitigate the negative impacts of limited water supplies for FCT residents.