The ever-growing challenge of unplanned housing in Kampala has been exacerbated by rapid expansion in population. Uganda continues to face challenges with unplanned housing characterized by; high-rise perimeter walls, difficult access and limited utility access among others.
Organized housing therefore plays an important role in streamlining cities and doing away with traffic jam, crime and large or multiple slums characterized by their unplanned nature. Aware of this, NWSC and NHCC (National Housing And Construction Company) today signed an MOU to provide a framework that will enable sustainable provision of water and sewerage services to and within National Housing Construction Company Limited housing estates.
During the 10-year term of this MOU, NWSC and NHCC will cooperate and work together to explore opportunities to deliver Water and Sewerage Services in the identified existing and upcoming NHCC Estates.
Under the terms of the partnership, NHCC shall always make available to NWSC land upon which sewerage infrastructure shall be located. Going forward, NHCC will share the project master plan, building plans and the intended general Water and Sewerage infrastructure lay-out with NWSC for purposes of guidance on propriety, approval and quality check prior to project implementation.
NWSC shall also supervise & undertake the design and construction of the internal Water and Sewerage Services infrastructure within the housing estate(s) to the connection point agreed upon by NHCC and NWSC.
Beneficiaries
Among the sites visited and identified include: Luzira which is expected to house 2500 units, Bukoto mix use with 500 units, Naalya pride with 2500 units, Bukerere-satellite city with 30,000 units and Lubowa with 10,000 units.
Speaking at the signing, the MD-NWSC- Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha noted that NWSC together with NHCC have been engaging in very many undertakings and the formalization of the partnerships was long overdue. He was also keen to highlight that despite the many pandemic-induced complications, NWSC continues to focus on its WATER FOR ALL mantra and holds the end user in high regard.
‘We pledge our continued support to NHCC and we hope to support all interventions as long as they grant our customers reliable water and sewerage services,’ Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha said. He also thanked the General Manager of Kampala Water, Eng. Mahmoud Lutaaya for initiating the partnership discussions.
On their part, NHCC was grateful for the continued support accorded by NWSC especially during the construction of various housing units. This was revealed by the CEO of NHCC, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka who was also in attendance.
Also there to witness the occasion were NWSC’s Senior Manager PR, Mr. Samuel Apedel, Manager Legal, Aloysius Kayijuka and Senior Officer Legal, Kampala Water, Brownie Ebal.
Noting the importance of collaborating with community leaders for the greater good, NWSC MD-Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha welcomed the archbishop to the NWSC family. Responding to the Archbishop’s questions, he explained that the sewer discharged into the lake is treated and safe for aquatic life.
Appreciating the role the Archbishop could play, the MD called upon the Archbishop to sensitize his congregation about water theft and vandalism of property. In mutual recognition, Eng. Mugisha also pledged NWSC support to the church on all matters pertaining to water and sewerage services.
The entourage included the GM Kampala Water – Mahmood Lutaya, Manager Public Relations – Ms. Vivien Newumbe, Network Manager – Sharon Karungi and PCMO – Mr. Sekabira Fisher.
Story By : Allan Mwesiga
