Residents Urge Authorities to Address Ongoing Water Crisis in FCT

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), inhabitants of Gwagwa, Jiwa, and Idu are experiencing a critical lack of clean water, which poses significant challenges for their everyday activities.

The residents are urging the FCT Administration to swiftly find a solution to the water shortage, fearing the onset of waterborne diseases as they are compelled to drink from contaminated sources.

According to reports by Abuja Metro, the water scarcity has persisted for a number of days, and some neighborhoods have gone weeks without any supply. This situation has led many to depend on private boreholes, water vendors, and even polluted rivers or ponds for their water needs.

In both Gwagwa and Jiwa, locals have taken to walking to dry stream beds in search of water for household usage.

"We are suffering immensely due to the lack of water here in Jiwa. The pipes have entirely stopped flowing," lamented Mrs. Rukayyat Saleh, a resident.

Mrs. Saleh further indicated that the ongoing crisis significantly impacts education, as students often arrive late to school after spending their mornings looking for water.

Another local from Gwagwa, Mrs. Grace Benjamin, shared her struggles, noting that the water shortage affects everyone, leading her to walk long distances just to find usable sources.

"I have no choice; at times I have to use sachet water to prepare my meals," added Amina, a food vendor operating at the Gwagwa market. She appealed to the authorities at the water board to promptly resolve this issue, as it is hindering household operations.

The situation is not isolated to the outskirts of the city. Even residents of affluent areas such as Maitama and various foreign missions are experiencing significant water access difficulties.

Reports indicate that Maitama is among the most severely affected places, with many unable to obtain supply from pipes.

“Ablution has become a serious challenge in Maitama. We often have to buy sachet water or rely on vendors just to perform our daily prayers,” mentioned Muazu Shehu, a local resident.

An anonymous official from the FCT Water Board attributed the current shortages to ongoing rehabilitation activities at the Lower Usuma Dam treatment facilities.

Another source from the board highlighted administrative challenges as contributing factors. "Aside from technical maintenance issues, bureaucratic delays in funding for necessary water treatment chemicals are also a hindrance," they stated.