Photo:Residents scrambling for water from a local borehole in Idu
By Ekunkonye Junior
Residents of Idu, the host community of Idu Industrial Area, Karmo, and surrounding communities in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are facing extreme hardship due to a severe water scarcity that has lasted for weeks. The situation has become so dire that people are struggling to access basic necessities like drinking water, let alone bathing or washing clothes.
“Idu, the host community of Idu Industrial Area, is one of the worst-hit areas, with residents forced to search far and wide for water,” says a resident. “We’ve tried reaching out to the water board, but our efforts have been met with silence. Their numbers are outdated, and we’re left to fend for ourselves.”
The water scarcity has had a devastating impact on daily life, with many residents unable to cook or even drink due to the lack of access to clean water. The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, who are more susceptible to waterborne diseases.
The FCT Water Board has attributed the scarcity to bureaucratic delays in approving funds for water treatment chemicals, while Minister Nyesom Wike has blamed ongoing rehabilitation works at water treatment plants. However, residents are calling for urgent action to address the crisis and provide them with access to clean and safe water.
As one resident lamented, “Abuja Watered they say is life, but for us, it’s a struggle to survive. We need help, and we need it now.”
Recalled that the latest press release on the reason behind water scarcity in Idu, Abuja, points to ongoing rehabilitation works at the Lower Usuma Dam water treatment plants as the primary cause. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, explained that two of the four treatment plants are shut down for rehabilitation, leading to a partial disruption in water supply.
The FCT Water Board has announced a two-week water rationing program, alternating between Lines 1 and 2 of the distribution network. Residents are urged to store enough water to cater to their needs during this period.
The rehabilitation aims to restore the plants to optimal performance, ensuring better service delivery. The FCTA has assured residents that efforts are being made to minimize the impact, including temporarily reactivating the affected plants during festive periods.
Also recalled that the FCT Water Board has attributed the scarcity to bureaucratic delays in approving funds for water treatment chemicals, while Minister Nyesom Wike has blamed ongoing rehabilitation works at water treatment plants. However, residents are calling for urgent action to address the crisis and provide them with access to clean and safe water.
