Wuse Zone 6 residents raise alarm over alleged contaminated Tap Water

Residents of Wuse Zone 6 in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over alleged contamination of water running from their taps, with several households reporting health complications.

Complaints have grown in recent weeks, with residents lamenting that the water is unsafe for domestic use. Mr. Jimoh Olatunji, a resident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that he and his daughter fell ill after drinking from their tap. “After drinking the water with my daughter, we both had running stomachs for days and had to visit the hospital for treatment,” Olatunji said.

Another resident, Mr. Uche Uchechukwu, alleged that the water was unfit for even basic purposes. “Once we open the taps, black and red worms come out with a faecal smell. The water cannot be used for cooking, bathing or washing,” he said.

Chairman of the Wuse Zone Six Residents Association, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, assured that steps would be taken to address the problem. “By the grace of God, Insha Allah, I will go to FCT Water Board in Area 3 this coming week, from Monday till about Friday. I’ll go to the office of the people who collect tenement rate to resolve the issues that were raised. By our next meeting, I assure you that I would have gotten to a conclusion on them, by God’s grace,” he said.

However, General Manager of the FCT Water Board, Mr. Daniel Salka, insisted that the board provides clean water across Abuja and described the situation in Wuse Zone 6 as a localized issue. “They have sent this complaint to me before. I have sent people there twice, and they discovered that it was a localized issue. We gave advice on what is to be done,” Salka said.

He attributed the contamination to some houses with sewer lines located near their water pipes, stressing that the board’s supply is safe. “It’s not our water. Our water is not smelling. It’s the same water we are serving to all people,” he said, adding that residents with affected pipes should consult professionals to fix the issue.

Salka also said he was unaware of any recent complaints from the area but promised to send a team to inspect the location once details are provided. He further advised residents not to drink the water until the matter is resolved.