Water supply to residents in the city centre of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is being rationed over major rehabilitation works at two of the territory’s four water treatment plants.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a statement on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka assured residents that the rehabilitation, aimed at improving service delivery, would be completed within two weeks.
In order to minimise disruption, the statement said the FCT Administration (FCTA) will implement a two-week water rationing plan while the repairs exercise progresses.
However, the Minister announced a temporary reprieve during the Sallah festivities, “To mitigate the effects of the partial shutdown, the two plants under rehabilitation will be temporarily activated to supply water during the Sallah celebration.
“The FCT Water Board operates four water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 30,000m³/hour, divided into Phases 1 to 4. Due to inefficiencies, the plants are currently producing below capacity, necessitating rehabilitation,” the statement reads.
He further stated that the contract for the upgrade was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited, which is currently replacing electro-mechanical equipment in Phases 1 and 2.
“The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage on Phases 1 and 2 where the Electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants are to be replaced and reinstalled.
“This requires a total shutdown of the two interconnected plants. While Phases 3 and 4 remain operational, they cannot fully meet demand, leading to partial disruptions in supply.
“Consequently, in order to minimise the adverse effects on the FCT residents, the Water Board has made a time table on rationing by alternating between Lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network.”
The minister urged residents to “store enough water to cater for their needs during this period as supply will be rationed.”
FCTA appealed for understanding, assuring that the upgrades will ultimately enhance water supply reliability across the federal capital territory.
