Challenges to Sustainable Public Water Supply in Abuja: Infrastructure, Governance and Policy Gaps

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the performance of public water services and the sustainability of water supply in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. It was prompted by growing concerns over inadequate infrastructure, rising demand, and the need to ensure reliable and equitable access to safe water. The objectives were to assess the current state of public water service delivery and sustainable supply, evaluate the effectiveness of policy, legal, and institutional frameworks, identify key challenges, and recommend strategies for long-term improvement. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Primary data were collected through 390 structured questionnaires administered across Garki, Lugbe, and Kubwa districts, four key informant interviews with officials of the FCT Water Board, and three focus group discussions with residents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics represented in tables, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to ensure triangulation. Findings show that although the FCT Water Board provides treated water to many households, supply remains irregular and insufficient, compelling widespread reliance on boreholes and private vendors. Policy instruments such as the 2010 FCT Water Supply and Sanitation Policy have only been partially implemented, with weak monitoring, inadequate funding, and aging infrastructure constraining performance. Respondents highlighted irregular supply, high costs from private sources, and limited agency responsiveness as persistent challenges. The study concludes that the current system is unsustainable without major infrastructural upgrades and strengthened governance. It recommends significant investment in network expansion and rehabilitation, improved metering and billing systems, enhanced community participation, and stronger policy enforcement. Limitations include access to official documents as well as access to informal settlements. Future research should examine climate impacts and financing models to deepen understanding of sustainable urban water supply in Nigeria.