National water and sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has signed 5 Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) flagship projects to boost water supply for the districts of Gulu, Kyankwanzi, Kalungu, Bushenyi and Isingiro.
As part of its continuous mandate, NWSC continues to implement a wide range of WATSAN infrastructure development projects within its 263 towns of operation across the country as the corporation recently secured market financing towards implementation of a number of WATSAN flagship projects.
The corporation is also implementing major projects funded by the Government of Uganda with financial support from development partners with the aim of ensuring provision of safe water for human consumption and water for economic development focused on eradicating poverty which is also in line with the government efforts deliberately aimed at fostering progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
With the stewardship of the Minister of State for Water and Environment, Hon. Aisha Sekindi and in witness of several district leaders from the beneficiary towns and representatives of development partners, contractors and consultants, NWSC on 2nd August 2022 flaged off project works with the signing of construction works contracts for the proposed projects namely; Kyankwanzi Water Supply Project funded by NWSC through Market Financing, Bushenyi Water Supplying Augementation project funded by NWSC through Market Financing, Kalungu Water Supply Project Funded by NWSC through Market Financing, Karuma- Gulu water transmission main construction project funded by G.O.U with credit facility from the World Bank and Kagera Water Supply System Construction project funded by G.O.U with credit facility from the French Development Agency.
Speaking at the Signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Water, Hon Aisha Sekindi said that the projects are timely, and will help improve access to safe water in the 5 districts, especially those under the cattle corridor. She underscored the GOU’s commitment towards improved water and sanitation infrastructure across Uganda in line with NDPIII.
Hon. Sekindi commended NWSC for its commitment towards water for every Ugandan across the country and encouraged them to equally serve rural areas in the 5 districts. She also urged water users to pay bills on time which subsequently helps NWSC to extend its services to more Ugandans.
“The Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with NWSC and other development partners are working to ensure the provision of affordable clean and safe water to all Ugandans.” She pledged.
The NWSC Board Chair Eng. Dr. Prof Badru. M. Kiggundu shared that the ceremony was a milestone in line with the GOU’s mandate, to improve the water and sanitation infrastructure, as one of the major contributors to sustainable wellbeing of the people of Uganda. He thanked the GoU, Parliament of Uganda, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and other Development Partners who successfully secured financing for the projects. Eng. Kiggundu tasked the contractor to complete the project within time and cost.
NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha said that NWSC is innovating vast engineering solutions to improve lives of the people of Uganda through the provision of clean safe water, and added that all the above projects were internally designed by NWSC engineers.
According to Eng Mugisha, water and environment protection are tandem as such the utility has rolled out environmental protection initiatives aimed at conserving the environment.
“NWSC is focused on institutional sustainability while looking at the overall business growth.
Subsequently, the utility has set a target to, by 2025, achieve; increase assets from 3.9trillion to 6 trillion, increase Connections from 900,000 to 1.2million connections, serve over 25million Ugandans up from the current 18million people being served now, improve customer satisfaction from the current 86% to 90% and, improve Staff Satisfaction index from 78% to 90% among others.
Eng. Mugisha added that the projects will be implemented under strong fundamentals that include; project cost control-within cost and time, initiatives to protect the environment and innovative project funding initiatives. He appreciated the support from Ministries; Water and Environment, Finance, Planning and Economic, Uganda Development Bank among others.
Speaking on behalf of other contractors, Sogea Satom Country Director, Jean- Luc Sion highlighted the recent project progress in Uganda i.e the recently completed Katosi Water works, Upgrade of Ggaba water works and committed to deliver the Kagera Water Supply System on time and within cost
All local leadership affiliated to the planned projects were ecstatic about the whole enchilada and appreciated NWSC’s efforts to ensure “Water for All” some of whom include; Kyankwanzi LC5 chairman-Dr. Mpuuga John, Bushenyi LC5 Chairperson-Jafar Basajjabala
Gulu City Mayor-Ogwang Alfred, Kalungu district LC.5 Chairman-Ahmed Nyombi Mukiibi, Bukanga South MP Isingiro district-Hon Stephen Kangwagye Rwakanuma, Bukianga North MP, Isingiro District-Nathan, Isingiro West MP-Reuben Arinaitwe, Isingiro Woman MP-Claire Mugumya, and Isingiro South MP-Alex Bakunda Byarugaba.
