The ongoing water scarcity affecting many regions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has intensified, significantly impacting satellite towns and various local communities.
According to previous reports from Abuja Metro, the crisis began in early January, impacting numerous areas including Asokoro, Maitama, Wuye, Gwarinpa, and Kubwa.
Officials from the FCT Water Board have cited a reduction in the amount of raw water flowing from Gurara Dam to Usuman Dam as a key factor in this crisis.
Further discussions with sources within the board revealed that the current situation is also tied to a lack of essential water treatment chemicals and the failure of the FCT Administration to settle outstanding bills owed to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). This failure has resulted in power supply cuts affecting the board’s facilities.
Reports indicate that the water situation has worsened for residents of numerous outlying communities.
In Bwari, home to the Bwari Area Council, locals mentioned that they have started waking up as early as 5 am to seek out water at available private boreholes or wells.
Mrs. Jane Akogun, a resident of Sabon-Gari, expressed her concerns over the worsening situation. "Today (Wednesday), I woke up at 4:30 am with my two daughters to search for water. The situation has grown dire because many of the wells we relied on have dried up," she stated.
She added that intermittent power supply has made matters worse, as borehole operators struggle to pump water.
Another resident, Edafe Annes from SCC Road, commented on the declining water table. "Both my borehole and those of my neighbors are drying up. Even when there is electricity, we can barely fill half of our tank due to the low yield," she reported.
In Gwagwalada, residents have reported that the price for a 20-liter jerrycan of water has surged to N200 in some areas, up from the previous rates of N50 or N100.
Musa Aliyu, a local from the SDP area, urged the FCT Administration to devise a long-term solution to the recurring water crisis.
In Abaji, many community members find themselves relying on nearby streams.
Hajiya Jummai Ahmad, a resident of the Abattoir area, noted that many households have no choice but to walk to open water sources.
Similarly, people living in the Gawu community of Kuje Area Council complained about the lack of safe drinking water, particularly during the dry season. Many depend on ponds or dry stream beds where they must excavate the sand to access water.
Mrs. Sarah Dagami reported that she wakes up at 3 am every day to walk to a dry stream.
"The only borehole that used to supply water for our community has been out of order for years," she mentioned. Another community member, Mrs. Jummai Ayuba, shared that the only period of relief for them is during the rainy season, as she now uses water accessed from ponds for cooking, bathing, and washing.
Mr. Zakariah Moses, a youth leader in the community, highlighted that prior contributions to repair a hand-pump borehole have ultimately failed as it is broken again.
"We have written numerous letters to the Area Council requesting necessary repairs, but we’ve not received any positive action," he added.
Moses took the opportunity to appeal to the incoming chairman of the council, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, to address both the consistent water supply shortages and the absence of a functioning health center, which has fallen into disrepair since it was established during the tenure of Senator Usman Jibrin Wowo.
An anonymous council official disclosed in a telephone interview that there are plans to refurbish rural boreholes included in the current budget.
Additionally, an FCT Water Board official communicated with Abuja Metro, emphasizing that the situation needs urgent intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He noted that despite ongoing extensive water expansion projects in areas like Bwari and Karu, these will not achieve their intended goals unless fundamental issues concerning water treatment and distribution are addressed.
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