Abuja water crisis: FCTA to sanction developer for damaging water trunk line

By Stanley Onyekwere
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As part of measures to tackle about the ongoing water scarcity hitting the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to take “drastic action” against a private developer allegedly responsible for the crisis.
The FCTA revealed that the current water shortage challenge was triggered by the destruction of a major trunk line.
​Making this position known, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike explained that the errant estate developer, in the course of a personal project, damaged a critical pipe belonging to the FCT Water Board.
He warned that the developer would face stiff consequences for the inconvenience caused to residents.
Wike, who spoke during a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital Wednesday, indicated desire to assess the situation, by personally visiting the site of the damage.
​“I was told that one of the very big pipes for the water project has been damaged because of a private development.
“Somebody who is carrying out a private development damaged that pipe, and the Water Board is working tirelessly to make sure that it is being put back for use.
​ “If it means that I have to shut down the project, I will shut it down because you cannot suffer the public while you are freely going about to develop your own property”, he stated.
​While appealing for public patience, the Minister assured residents that the Water Board is working around the clock to rectify the damage and restore supply.