FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has inaugurated Abuja’s rehabilitated Phase 2 Usuma Dam Water Plant.
The ₦50bn project boosts potable water capacity, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the rehabilitated Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of Abuja, in a move aimed at improving potable water supply across the city.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Wike explained that the project, valued at over N50 billion, was initially awarded in September 2022 by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to Messrs SCC Nigeria Limited. He noted that the renewed push to complete the work was driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes basic services such as water.
“Water is life, and it is an essential service that government must provide. This Phase 2 project is very important because it increases the carrying capacity and enhances water supply to the residents of Abuja,” Wike said.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council recently approved the rehabilitation of Phases 1, 3, and 4 of the Usuma Dam treatment plants to ensure steady supply across the FCT. He added that the combined rehabilitation works would significantly boost the city’s potable water capacity.
Wike also revealed that last September, President Tinubu signed a N90 billion agreement with China Geo-Engineering Company to build additional treatment plants in satellite towns. According to him, the new projects located in Bwari and Karu will be inaugurated this week.
“This demonstrates that our focus is not only on roads, as some have claimed. We are also investing heavily in other critical infrastructure that improves quality of life. Development is being extended beyond the city center to satellite communities,” he emphasized.
Providing an overview of the project, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the rehabilitation became necessary due to ageing equipment and the risk of system collapse at the water treatment plants.
He explained that the combined capacity of the Lower Usuma Dam plants across Phases 1 to 4 is 30,000 cubic meters per hour, with Phase 2 alone designed to handle 5,000 cubic meters per hour since its commissioning in 2000.
“With this rehabilitation completed, Phase 2 has been restored to full capacity, ensuring safe water supply that meets international standards,” Dauda assured.
The minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing essential services that directly impact residents, stressing that water supply will remain a top focus alongside other infrastructure project.
