Water scarcity hits 7 FCT communities

by Adam Umar

Perennial water shortage is affecting residents of Karmo, Gwagwa, Kado, Idu, Akaraka, Gydna and Dape communities in the Federal Capital Territory. Some of the residents rely on pond and stream water for cooking and drinking.

Our reporter, who visited the communities, gathered that a water pipe supplying water to the communities was cut off mid December last year as a result of the construction of a flyover bridge in the area by Julius Berger Construction Company.

A source from FCT Water Board alleged that the decision to cut the pipe was taken without proper measure for replacement.

The engineer said that before the problem, water supplies to the communities were done averagely from the pipe which is about 300 millimeters but all that stopped due to the construction work. He said the water board officials demanded for a replacement of the pipe opposite the former one in order to avoid unnecessary hardship.

According to him, another pipe that is meant to serve Kado alone was extended to all the affected communities pending the restoration of the previous one but it makes water insufficient.

Reacting, Julius Berger’s Public Affairs Adviser, Clement Iloba, referred our reporter to Engineer John Agwunedu, who confirmed that a replacement was done.

  Iloba stated that the FCT Water Board is in the best position to explain why the communities have no water, adding that contractors are not allowed to tamper with water pipes or electrical pole while working.

“We always pass our demands of such to responsible bodies, whenever we encounter such things that will hinder our work,” he said.   

FCT Water Board’s Head of Distribution, Engineer A.A. Nahuche, said work on the pipe’s connection after transfer is supposed to be finished by mid February.

He said due to numerous complaints received from the affected communities, another measure would be adopted.

At Gwagwa, people were seen going to fetch water from a pond like stream and river.

Sani Abubakar, a resident in the area, said water vendors make brisk businesses in the affected communities.

 Ibukwe ThanksGod, a resident at Dape comunity, said he saw water last from the tap mid December 2012.

DailyPost