In both urban and rural areas of Uganda, thousands of individuals grapple with harsh living conditions aggravated by extreme poverty. Within Kampala’s five divisions; Kawempe, Rubaga, Nakawa, Kampala Central, and Makindye, the population density surges, particularly in informal settlements like Katanga, Kisenyi, and Namuwongo.
Upon venturing into these areas, one is immediately struck by the sight of densely packed, often poorly constructed houses, many of which encroach upon trenches and sewer lines. This not only jeopardizes the residents’ lives but also poses a significant threat to the infrastructure managed by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
In a concerted effort to bolster community safety and uplift the urban populace’s quality of life, the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, and the NWSC recently convened a consultative meeting with the aim of deliberating on the findings of a survey conducted in August 2023 regarding affordable housing.
Representing NWSC at the meeting was Eng. Francis Kateeba, the Senior Manager of Water Supply for Kampala Water, deputizing for the General Manager, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya. Eng. Kateeba echoed the corporation’s commitment to supporting this cause by facilitating access to clean water for various purposes, including household use and industrial needs.
Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, NHCC’s CEO and chairman of the meeting, emphasized the importance of meeting essential needs and engaging communities through surveys to drive development initiatives. While highlighting the significance of sanitation and hygiene, he lauded NWSC’s efforts in enhancing living conditions and emphasized the necessity of improving toilet facilities in informal settlements. He attributed this challenge to the scarcity of land suitable for both housing and sanitation infrastructure.
Expressing concern for enhancing household facilities across Uganda, Eng. Kaijuka stressed the importance of fostering city development while improving residents’ overall quality of life. NWSC, renowned for its exemplary service delivery, stands at the forefront, unwavering in its support for initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and communities.
As efforts intensify, the hope is to create tangible improvements in the lives of those most affected by inadequate infrastructure and poverty.
