Federal Capital Territory (FCT) water rationing during maintenance of two water treatment plants

Water supply is being rationed for residents in the central part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) city while major repair works are being carried out at two of the four water treatment plants in the city.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, assured residents that the repair works to improve service delivery would be completed within two weeks.

The statement said that in order to minimise disruption, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) would implement a two-week water rationing scheme during the repair works.

However, the Minister announced that there would be a temporary suspension of works during the Salah Festival: “In order to mitigate the impact of the partial suspension of works, the two plants that are undergoing repairs will be temporarily restarted to supply water during the Salah Festival.”

The FCT Water Authority operates four water treatment plants with a total capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per hour, divided into phases one to four. The plants are currently producing below their capacity due to inefficiencies, hence the need for rehabilitation. ” the statement read.

He further explained that the contract for the upgrade has been awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited, which is currently replacing the electromechanical equipment at Phases 1 and 2.

“The rehabilitation works at Phases 1 and 2 are at an advanced stage and include the replacement and reinstallation of electromechanical equipment, which is the main driver of the water treatment plants.”

“This required the complete shutdown of the two connected plants. While Phases 3 and 4 remain operational, they are unable to fully meet demand, resulting in partial supply disruptions.

“In order to minimise the negative impact on residents of the ACT, the Water Authority has put in place a water rationing plan that will operate between Lines 1 and 2 of the water supply network.”

The Minister urged residents to “store enough water to meet demand during this period as water supply will be rationed. ”

The ACT Transport Authority (FCTA) asks residents for understanding and assurance that these improvements will ultimately improve the reliability of water supply across the ACT.