Abuja Water Crisis : FCDA Secretariat, Honourable Minister’s Office Embarrassed by Foul Smell from Toilets,
By Aluta News
December 16, 2024
The FCDA secretariat, housing the offices of the Honourable Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has been plagued by a severe water shortage, resulting in toilets that are both filthy and foul-smelling. The situation is not only embarrassing but also poses serious health risks to the ministers, staff, and visitors.
A source within the secretariat revealed that the lack of water has made it impossible to flush toilets, leading to an unbearable stench that permeates the entire building. The source lamented, “It’s a nightmare working here. The smell is overwhelming, and it’s a miracle no one has fallen ill yet.”
This is not the first time the Federal Secretariat Complex has faced water supply issues. In 2019, an investigation by The ICIR revealed that the complex was plagued by filthy toilets and irregular water supply . It appears that little has been done to address this issue, and the situation has only worsened.
At the heart of this water crisis is the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, who has refused to approve the payment of ₦150 million maintenance fee for the sources that augment water supply at Usman Dam.
Investigations by Aluta News reveal that the water in Usman Dam is insufficient, necessitating augmentation from Gurara. However, Minister Wike’s refusal to pay the meager ₦150 million has left residents languishing in desperation.
“A source within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, who spoke to Aluta News on condition of anonymity, has revealed that the Minister of FCT refused to approve the ₦150 million maintenance fee for the sources that augment water supply at Usman Dam. According to the source, the Minister has kept the file “in view”, leaving the residents of Abuja to suffer from severe water scarcity.
The consequences of this inaction are dire. Residents are forced to rely on water vendors, popularly known as “Mairuwa,” or dig wells in their backyards. This has given rise to a plethora of environmental and health issues, including the contamination of groundwater and the spread of waterborne diseases.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Abuja is located in the Savannah region, where rainfall is minimal. This means that groundwater and surface water resources are relatively low, making the need for efficient water management even more critical.
The water crisis in Abuja has a human face. Residents like Ms. Endurance Emeka, who lives in Jahi, are forced to trek long distances in search of water. “We do not have regular water in this area because we do not have a direct connection with the Water Board,” she lamented.
In Lugbe, a district under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), residents rely on boreholes, which are often drilled without adherence to regulations. This has led to the depletion of the water table and contamination of groundwater.
It is imperative that Minister Wike takes immediate action to address the water crisis in Abuja. The payment of the ₦150 million maintenance fee is a crucial step towards ensuring that residents have access to clean and potable water.
We urge almighty Wike to prioritize the needs of Abuja residents and take concrete steps to address the water crisis. The people of Abuja deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that they have access to this basic human right.
The Federal Government’s commitment to providing basic amenities, including water supply, is once again called into question. As the government reaffirms its commitment to food security through water supply , it is ironic that the very offices responsible for implementing these policies are struggling with a basic necessity like water.
The people demand answers: what is being done to address this crisis, and when can the staff and visitors to the FCDA secretariat expect a resolution?