Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to brace themselves for a two-week water shortage as the FCT Water Board announced a planned disruption in supply due to ongoing rehabilitation works at the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant.
The shutdown, scheduled from Friday, May 30, to Friday, June 13, 2025, is necessary to facilitate the installation of electro-mechanical equipment, a crucial phase in the plant’s upgrade.
In an official statement, the Board explained that, “The disruption is to pave way for the connection of the Electro-Mechanical equipment of the plants, which is a major component of the rehabilitation work.”
The Board urged FCT residents, particularly its customers, to store sufficient water and make alternative arrangements to cope with the shortage.
“We appeal to residents to kindly store water that may last them for this period, including an alternative supply to augment their needs,” the public notice read.
The management acknowledged the inconvenience the development might cause, stating, “Any inconveniences that might be experienced by our customers are highly regretted.”
The Lower Usuma Dam is a key water source for Abuja, which supplies millions of residents portable water, and the temporary shutdown is expected to affect households, businesses, and institutions.
A water resource analyst, Amina Bello, said that while the disruption may cause hardship, the upgrade was essential for long-term efficiency.
“This maintenance is overdue. Once completed, it will improve water supply reliability in the FCT,” she said.
Some Abuja residents expressed frustration but acknowledged the necessity of the upgrade. “Two weeks without steady water is tough, but if it means better supply later, we’ll manage,” said Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a resident of Gwarimpa area of Abuja.
