Water Scarcity Grips Federal Capital Territory, Residents Struggle for Access

Water scarcity has engulfed various parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving residents scrambling to secure water by any means necessary.

The crisis has been exacerbated by a strike initiated by sachet water producers since the previous Monday, coupled with low water pressure from the treatment plant at the Lower Usuma Dam.

Numerous households, particularly in satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Bwari, Dutse, Kwali, and Kuje, have resorted to using streams as alternative water sources. Even in semi-urban areas like Lugbe, Kubwa, and Galadimawa, residents are grappling with the challenge of accessing sachet water due to the producers’ work stoppage.

A Kubwa resident, Mr. Joseph Aina, lamented that when sachet water producers resumed operations, they substantially increased prices, causing distress among consumers. Mrs. Cyinthia Akata shared her plight, revealing that her estate in Gwarinpa had been without sachet water since the previous week, compelling her family to resort to well water.

Expressing frustration, she pleaded with the FCT Administration to intervene, stating, “Honestly, I don’t understand this administration; we started with hunger and now gradually they are taking it to water, which of course they know is life. We can’t just continue like this as a nation.”

A member of the sachet water producers association, Jamilu Saidu, explained that the strike was initiated due to rising production costs, including a significant increase in the price of production nylon. He cited other challenges such as escalating fuel prices, taxes from government agencies like NAFDAC, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Dauda Umar, a producer from Bwari Area Council, highlighted that during the strike interval, the cost of production nylon surged, leading the union to agree on raising the price of a bag of sachet water for distributors.

Reacting to the situation, the acting General Manager of the FCT Water Board, Daniel Salka, acknowledged areas without water and low pressure, assuring residents that efforts were underway to trace and address the issue at the water treatment plant.

Meanwhile, in Kano State, water vendors have initiated a two-day warning strike to protest harassment by revenue collectors, impacting water supply in areas like Rimin Kebe, Kwana Hudu, Gama, and Bridgate Quarters. Residents report increased prices and ongoing challenges with water availability in various metropolitan LGAs. The state’s water board has partially restored supply to some areas, but the situation remains critical.