NWSC Inks Deals to Boost Water Supply in Five Districts

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) signed five WATSAN flagship projects to boost water supply for the districts of Gulu, Kyankwanzi, Kalungu, Bushenyi and Isingiro.

The Corporation says it is currently implementing a wide range of Water and sanitation (WATSAN) infrastructure development projects within its 263 towns of operation across the country.

WATSAN, a UK charity dedicated to the support of a water and sanitation programme in South West Uganda --recently secured financing for implementation of some of the aforementioned projects.

The corporation is also implementing major projects funded by the government with financial support from development partners. 

The project is aimed at providing safe water for human consumption and water for economic development focused on eradicating poverty. 

This is also in line with the government efforts deliberately aimed at fostering progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

That said, on Tuesday the Minister of State for Water and Environment Aisha Sekindi oversaw the signing of contracts for the projects below:

1. Kyankwanzi Water Supply Project funded by NWSC through Market Financing 

2. Bushenyi Water Supplying Augmentation project funded by NWSC through Market Financing

3. Kalungu Water Supply Project Funded by NWSC through Market Financing

4. Karuma-Gulu water transmission main construction project funded by the government with a credit facility from the World Bank

5. Kagera Water Supply System Construction project funded by the government with a credit facility from the French Development Agency 

Minister Sekindi said that the projects are timely and will help improve access to safe water in the 5 districts, especially those under the cattle corridor. 

She underscored the government's commitment to improved water and sanitation infrastructure across Uganda in line with NDPIII.

Sekindi commended NWSC for their commitment to water for everyone across the country and encouraged them to equally serve rural areas in the 5 districts.

She urged water users to pay bills on time which subsequently helps NWSC to extend its services to more Ugandans.

"In other areas, people pay between Shs1000- 2000. The Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with NWSC and other development partners is working to ensure the provision of affordable clean and safe water to all Ugandans," she added.

The NWSC Board Chair Eng. Dr. Prof Badru Kiggundu thanked parliament, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and other development partners who successfully secured financing for the projects.

He tasked the contractor to complete the project within time and cost.

NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha said that NWSC is innovating vast engineering solutions to improve the lives of the people of Uganda through the provision of clean safe water, and added that all the above projects were internally designed by NWSC engineers.

The Corporation has set a target to achieve the following by 2025:

•Increase assets from Shs3.9 trillion to 6 trillion

• Increase connections from 900,000 to 1.2 million

•Serve over 25 million Ugandans up from the current 18 million people being served now

• Improve customer satisfaction from the current 86% to 90%

• Improve staff satisfaction index from 78% to 90% among others

Speaking on behalf of other contractors, Sogea Satom Country Director Jean- Luc Sion highlighted the recent project progress in Uganda i.e, the recently completed Katosi water project, upgrade of Ggaba water supply system and that they are committed to delivering the Kagera Water Supply System on time and within cost.