FCT Rations Water as Two Major Treatment Plants Undergo Repairs

Residents of Abuja’s city centre will experience temporary water rationing as two of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) four water treatment plants undergo critical rehabilitation.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Minister Nyesom Wike assured the public that the repairs are aimed at boosting service delivery and will be completed within two weeks.

To manage supply during this period, the FCT Administration (FCTA) has introduced a water rationing plan that will alternate between Lines 1 and 2 of the city’s distribution network. The plan is designed to minimise disruption while the plants—Phases 1 and 2—are temporarily shut down for the installation of new electro-mechanical equipment.

In a bid to ease hardship during the Sallah celebration, the minister announced a temporary resumption of operations at the two plants. “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 statement read.

The FCT Water Board operates four plants with a combined capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per hour. However, inefficiencies have reduced their output, prompting the current overhaul. The upgrade contract was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited, which is currently replacing core mechanical components in Phases 1 and 2.

While Phases 3 and 4 remain operational, they cannot meet the full demand, necessitating the rationing strategy. The minister advised residents to store sufficient water for personal use during this period.

The FCTA appealed for public understanding and patience, assuring residents that the completed rehabilitation will significantly improve water supply reliability across the capital.