FCT Chief Warns of Water Shortages Leading to Community Crisis

The Village Head of Rafin-Daji community located in Gurdi Ward, Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Yakubu Danjuma, has raised concerns about a severe water shortage affecting his community.

He noted that this shortage is leading to frequent conflicts between couples, prompting him to mediate in domestic disagreements on a regular basis.

'I cannot quantify the number of instances women have approached me regarding quarrels with their husbands over the use of bath water,' the Chief shared. 'I often have to urge the husbands to be patient and understand that their wives wake up very early to search for water.'

Residents, particularly women, echoed the Chief's worries, stating that the unavailability of piped water has been their most pressing issue for several years.

During a visit from Abuja Metro on Saturday, locals explained that in the dry season, when streams run dry, they are compelled to use stagnant ponds or travel long distances to fetch water for household needs.

Mrs. Laraba Audu, a resident, reported that she rises as early as 3:00 a.m. with her daughters to go to a dry stream bed.

'We have to dig into the sand just to find water,' she recounted. 'When my husband returns from the farm and there is no water for him to bathe, he becomes extremely frustrated. There are times when he just has to wash his hands and feet and then go to bed angry.'

Another community member, Mrs. Sarah Ayuba, mentioned that she also journeys to marshland farms with her children to collect water.

'I have to treat the water with alum and let it sit for a while before it becomes clear enough for my family to consume. This issue affects nearly 80 percent of homes in our community,' she lamented.

Community elder, Mr. Nuhu Adamu, remarked that this crisis has repercussions for the adjacent village of Unguwar Yunusa as well.

He disclosed that the two hand-pump boreholes in their area have been non- functional for years.

'Two years ago, we collectively raised funds to repair one of the boreholes, but it broke down soon after,' Adamu explained, adding that numerous formal requests to the local council for repairs have gone unanswered.

The village head expressed disappointment that despite consistent electoral support for the government, the community has not experienced the anticipated improvements in infrastructure.

The water crisis in Rafin-Daji also extends to the educational sector.

Chief Danjuma highlighted that the local classrooms in the LEA Primary School are in a state of disrepair, compelling children to learn outdoors.

Ibrahim Saleh, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, added that teachers assigned to the school have been absent for over two years.

'They cite insecurity as the reason for their absence, yet the security situation here, which borders Niger State, has seen significant improvement. Our children are now going to the farms instead of attending school,' Saleh stated.

In response to these issues, an official from the Council’s Works Department remarked that the Council Chairman visited the community during a recent campaign tour in December.

'The Chairman assured the residents that the two malfunctioning boreholes would be repaired, and an extra solar-powered borehole would be established. This has been included in the budget,' the official mentioned. He also stated that renovations for the classrooms and an investigation into the prolonged absence of teachers are part of the budgetary considerations.