The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has made remarkable progress in providing access to clean water for Uganda’s urban poor. Recognizing the essential role water plays in improving living conditions and public health, NWSC has implemented various initiatives to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.
The challenges faced by the urban poor in accessing water are quite multi-layered. For instance, overcrowded slums often lack adequate water infrastructure, and financial constraints make it difficult for many to afford water services. This lack of access to clean water significantly contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases, posing serious health risks.
To tackle these challenges, NWSC has employed several effective strategies including; Installing Public Standpipes (PSPs) and Pre-Paid water meters, in strategic locations within slums which has made clean water more accessible and affordable for residents.
Collaboration with NGOs and community-based organizations has also expanded NWSC’s reach, addressing local needs more effectively. Additionally, the corporation has come up with a number of infrastructure development projects which have expanded water networks and improved distribution systems, significantly enhancing access to water services for the urban poor.
The NWSC has also introduced flexible payment plans and subsidized tariffs to make water services more affordable for low-income households with a 20 litre jerrycan going for only Ugx25.
These efforts have led to tangible improvements in water access, health outcomes, and living conditions for many urban poor residents. However, challenges remain. Rapid urban growth puts increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure, yet some areas still lack adequate water supply and distribution networks. Therefore, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water services requires investments and maintenance.
To further enhance water access for the urban poor, NWSC is focusing on several innovative areas. The corporation understands that exploring new water technologies can improve efficiency and reduce costs so it has taken the innovative path. For example, the smart water meters which can monitor usage in real-time, detecting leaks and reducing waste. Then there is the roll out of digitized services such as the NWSC Mobile App, E-Bills, Mobile payment solutions which have simplified access to services, making it easier for low-income households to manage their water bills.
With various software such as Mapkit, the corporation has been able to utilise data for decision-making, allowing NWSC to identify areas with the greatest need and target interventions more effectively.
NWSC has also considered empowering both internal and external stakeholders through capacity building in water management and conservation, with the help of partners, and that way increased investment in water infrastructure, additional resources and expertise.
The corporation could maybe look into solar-powered water purification systems which offer a sustainable solution to ensure a clean water supply in off-grid areas.
All in all, the NWSC is committed to “Water for All” Ugandans.
