Epidemic looms as taps running polluted water in Wuse Zone 6
2 min read
By Chris Ochayi
ABUJA: Fears of outbreak of diseases have gripped the residents of Wuse Zone 6, in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, following the running of contaminated water from their taps.
Complaints over polluted water in the Wuse zone six axis of AMAC have intensified in recent weeks, with several residents reporting similar experiences of unsafe water supply.
A resident, Mr Jimoh Olatunji, told newsmen on Monday in Abuja that he and his daughter fell ill after drinking from the tap.
According to him, “After drinking the water with my daughter, we both had running stomachs for days and had to visit the hospital for treatment.”
Another resident, Mr Uche Uchechukwu, said the water was unfit for basic domestic use.
“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, expressed displeasure over the development and assured members that he would take the matter up with the management of the FCT Water Board.
“Yes, by the grace of God, Insha Allah, I will go to the 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 will have gotten to a conclusion on them, by God’s grace,” he said.
In a telephone interview, the General Manager of the FCT Water Board, Mr Daniel Salka, insisted that the board supplied clean potable water across the city, describing the Wuse zone 6 case as a localised issue.
They have sent this complaint to me before. I have sent people there twice, and they discovered that it was a localised issue. We gave advice on what is to be done,” Salka said.
He explained that some houses had sewer lines close to their taps, which could lead to contamination, stressing that the Board’s supply remained clean.
He added that residents with pipes located near sewer lines or septic tanks should engage professionals to address the issue internally.
“But even this one that you are talking to me about, nobody has told me anything within the last one month or two.
“They didn’t report to me, though they used to call me. Nobody said anything to me, so I’m surprised I’m hearing it from you.
“It’s not our water. Our water is not smelling. It’s the same water we are serving to all people,” he said.
Salka advised residents not to drink the water in the meantime, adding that he would send a team through the area manager to inspect the location once details were provided.
