The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has explained that the current partial water disruption experienced in Abuja city centre and satellite towns is due to major rehabilitation work on two of the territory's four water treatment plants.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Lere Olayinka, Wike's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, water supply to residents will be rationed for approximately two weeks while the rehabilitation work continues.

"The rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage in Phases 1 and 2 where the electro-mechanical equipment, which is the prime mover of the treatment plants are to be replaced and reinstalled," the statement explained.

Partial Shutdown, Not Total Disruption

The FCT administration clarified that this is a partial shutdown rather than a complete halt to water services. Phases 3 and 4 of the water treatment plants remain operational, though they cannot fully meet the water demands of the entire FCT population.

"What is being experienced is a partial shutdown, not a total shutdown of the entire potable water supply to the residents of FCT as two of the water treatment plants are still in operation. But there is partial disruption to water production and supply to the residents," the statement noted.

The FCT Water Board has implemented a rationing schedule, alternating between Lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network to minimize inconvenience to residents.

Special Arrangement for Sallah Celebration

In consideration of the upcoming Sallah festivities, Wike announced that the two plants undergoing rehabilitation will be temporarily activated to supply water during the celebration period.

The rehabilitation project, awarded to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited, aims to address the inefficiency of the plants, which have been operating below their installed capacity of 30,000m³/hour.

"SCC is working 24/7 to ensure that the works are concluded before the scheduled time," the statement assured.

Residents are advised to store sufficient water during this period to meet their needs as the supply will be intermittent based on the rationing schedule.

The FCT administration has appealed for public understanding, emphasizing that the rehabilitation is necessary to ensure better service delivery in the long term and is expected to be completed within the two-week timeframe.