The Kampala Water (KW) region of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) held a Baraza on June 7th, 2024, at the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Rubaga Division, the Deputy RCC, and local leaders, to review the progress of the KW Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (KW LV WATSAN) package 5B project. This initiative aims to enhance water and sanitation services for over 650,000 residents upon completion.
The KW LV WATSAN 5B project, financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and KfW, encompasses four major components: The Nalukulongo faecal sludge treatment plant, water and sanitation services, faecal sludge points and dumping stations, and pilot condominium sewers.
Eng. Geoffrey Kasirikale, the Project Manager, provided an overview of the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant, highlighting its capacity of 400 million cubic meters per day. With construction already 70% complete since its commencement in December 2022, the plant is slated for completion by October 2024.
A significant facet of the project involves the construction and renovation of 64 modern sanitation facilities across various public spaces, including KCCA schools, prisons, police stations, and taxi parks, benefiting over 200,000 individuals. Additionally, the extension of 55 km of water pipelines to informal settlements is expected to substantially improve water supply reliability in these areas.
As part of enhancing service efficiency, the procurement and installation of 2,600 prepaid meters are underway, with 1,200 meters designated for new sites and 1,400 for replacing outdated ones within Kampala City and its greater metropolitan area.
The mayor of Rubaga Division, His Worshi Mbereza Zacchy, expressed gratitude to NWSC for selecting the Rubaga Division for the Sewerage Treatment Plant, acknowledged its significant role in addressing waste disposal challenges, and highlighted the ongoing issue of flooding caused by narrow drainage channels, seeking NWSC’s assistance in mitigating this problem. Mayor Zacchy also suggested a collaborative approach with the NWSC for the installation of prepaid meters.
Deputy RCC Rubaga Division, Maureen Keita, commended the project for its transformative potential and praised NWSC’s partnership with the community. She urged leaders to protect wetlands and prevent settlements in these vital areas.
General Manager of KW, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya thanked the Ugandan government for its support and urged Kampala residents to embrace the project. He emphasized the project’s benefits in enhancing waste management systems on Kampala’s eastern side. Eng. Lutaaya also pledged to collaborate with KCCA to address drainage issues and called for local leaders’ support in combating water theft, a significant problem affecting NWSC’s operations.
KW Senior Manager of Sewerage Services, Eng. James Maiteki, highlighted the transformative impact of the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant, emphasizing its role in improving sanitation and waste management for over 650,000 people. He underscored the project’s potential to enhance public health and stressed the importance of community collaboration and wetland protection for long-term success.
During the Baraza, stakeholders toured the Nalukulongo treatment plant, gaining insights into its design and capabilities. This was followed by a Q&A session, where local leaders addressed concerns about meter theft, response times to leakages, and impersonation of NWSC staff. These issues were addressed by the Nateete branch team, tasked with handling operational matters in the area.
The KW LV WATSAN 5B project promises lasting improvements in public health, environmental well-being, and quality of life for the people in the greater Kampala Metropolitan.
