Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same can be said about the Katosi Water Project, one of the most anticipated developments in the greater Kampala Metropolitan. As far back as 2011, the Uganda government, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), began to make plans to construct a new water treatment facility at Katosi, to augment the facilities at Ggaba (Ggaba I, II & III) and meet the needs of the rapidly expanding population of Kampala and surrounding districts. However, its impact is yet to be felt by majority of the intended beneficiaries.

That said, those in communities closest to the plant have a lot to write home about. They may not have gotten the piped water in their houses yet, but they do have a few great things to say about the NWSC owned project and its impact on their livelihood.

From job creation, to economic growth and infrastructure development, the project has already started changing livelihoods. With it came road works, electricity and solar powered street lights which have helped in the aspect of security and simply given a feel-good vibe.

Some wrangles may have risen from the setup of the project in affiliation to land but the Corporation quickly stepped in and handled the situation, compensating where need be.

The dim slipped in as we spoke to some of the residents of Sumbwe, Buwuja and Ngombere trading centers – Katosi, as we came to learn that access to clean water is a grave problem. Although the water they use is free, an average family spends at least 5000shs per day on transportation due to long distances to the water sources (5-6kms away). Not to mention, their health is at stake, given that the water they use is not treated. One of the residents even stated that when it rains, it’s only logical to harvest rain water otherwise, water from the wells is extremely dirty. Without utilities, essential institutions like schools cannot prevail, so children are grounded at home.