Josephine Namubiru, a longstanding resident of Katanga in Kawempe division, Kampala District, recounts the historical challenges her community endured in accessing clean water. In previous years, life was flawed by hardships, with diseases like Typhoid rampant due to contaminated water sources. Namubiru vividly recollects the community’s reliance on ponds and inadequately established wells for water, enduring prolonged queues daily, particularly as a businesswoman managing her small restaurant.
She reminisces about resorting to water vendors, colloquially known as “ab’akagaali abatunda amazzi,” who retailed a jerry can of 20 liters for five hundred Ugandan shillings (UGX 500), a price that would escalate to one thousand shillings (UGX 1000) during dry seasons.
Presently, the landscape has undergone a profound transformation, with water points conveniently located almost at their doorsteps. Namubiru lauds the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) for their proactive stance in extending services to the community, particularly those residing in informal settlements. She commends NWSC for effectively addressing challenges encountered by residents in securing new connections, notably even amidst land ownership disputes.
Namubiru expresses her delight while highlighting the positive ramifications of public standpipes (PSPs) and Pre-paid meters (PPM) on their livelihoods. She accentuates the affordability of water, now accessible to all sections of society. With the advent of PPM, accessing water has become streamlined; she can now effortlessly utilize her key to load tokens and procure water.
She also emphasizes the substantial enhancement in sanitation hygiene within the area. Even previous dormant public toilets are now operational and meticulously maintained, courtesy of the availability of affordable water.
As Uganda commemorates World Water Day under the theme “Water for Peace,” NWSC’s endeavors rightfully assume prominence. Initiatives like the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) project Package 5B is one of those that depict the corporation’s utter commitment to providing clean water. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses the construction of public toilets, installation of water points in informal settlements, and laying sewer lines, all collectively fostering urban development and augmenting public health standards.
