Water Crisis in Abuja Due to Shortage of Essential Chemicals
The FCT Water Treatment Plant is facing a severe threat of shutdown due to the shortage of critical chemicals required for water treatment. This situation has led to a significant disruption in water supply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting thousands of residents.
The Situation at the Usuman Dam
An investigation by Abuja Metro revealed that only one out of the four water treatment plants at the Usuman Dam has been operational for several months due to the unavailability of essential chemicals. These chemicals are crucial for purifying raw water from the dam before it can be distributed to consumers.
The lone functioning plant was on the brink of closure until two trucks carrying the necessary chemicals arrived last week. However, this temporary relief has not resolved the underlying issue, as the plant continues to operate at minimal capacity.
Essential Chemicals for Water Treatment
The staff members who spoke to Abuja Metro highlighted three key chemicals needed for the treatment process:
- Chlorine: A powerful disinfectant used to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
- Aluminum Sulphate (Alum): Used to purify water by causing suspended particles to clump together.
- pH, taste, and odor regulators: Additional chemicals that ensure the treated water meets quality standards.
These essential commodities have been in short supply for over a year, leading to the shutdown of three of the four treatment plants.
Changes in Supply Chain Management
According to sources, prior to the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, taking office, the chemical supply contract was managed at the FCT administration level. Under this system, supplies for an entire year were sourced from Lagos and stored in warehouses within the facility.
However, the current minister has restructured the process, taking all contracts directly into his office. As a result, the supply chain has become disrupted, leaving the plants without the necessary chemicals.
Impact on Staff and Operations
The lack of chemicals has left approximately 100 permanent staff and numerous casual workers idle. Many employees now merely sign their attendance registers and leave the office at the end of the day, as there is no work to do.
Additionally, the laboratories attached to the treatment plants, which previously conducted water analyses before and after production, are also affected. These tests are essential to ensure the quality of the treated water before it is released to the public.
Water Scarcity in Communities
The recent water shortages have forced the FCT Water Board to implement rationing measures across its coverage areas. Some communities receive water during designated periods, while others go days without access to the essential commodity.
Areas such as Wuse II, Asokoro, Area 1, Area 2, parts of Wuse district, and districts within Phase II of the city, including Apo and Galadimawa, have been significantly affected. Even communities outside the city center, like Kubwa, Jiwa, Gwagwa, Karmo, and some estates along the Abuja-Zuba highway, are experiencing the crisis.
Residents’ Experiences
Residents have reported long periods without water supply, leading to increased costs from water vendors. For example, Ahmad Shehu from Karmo mentioned that his area has not received water for over a week. Similarly, Nuelz Samuel from Durumi and Abubakar Jamilu from Zone 3 described similar challenges, with water supply limited to just a few hours per day.
Although there was some improvement in water supply starting from last weekend, high-elevation areas still face difficulties due to the need for uninterrupted supply. This has forced many students and civil servants to travel long distances early in the morning to access water, often resulting in tardiness at school or work.
Lack of Response from Authorities
Abuja Metro made multiple attempts to obtain a response from the FCT Water Board, but the General Manager, Daniel Salka, did not respond to calls or messages. On several occasions, he was reportedly not present at his office. Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, was not available during visits.
