The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) is a crucial parliamentary accounting committee in Uganda. Its primary role is to provide political audits to government state authorities, ensuring accountability and oversight. Recently, the committee conducted an inspection of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) installations in Jinja and Iganga areas.
The committee received a warm welcome from Dr. Charles Okuonzi, the Area General Manager, who introduced the staff and provided an overview of the area’s operations. Dr. Okuonzi emphasized the mission and vision of the Jinja area, key water infrastructure, service coverage upgrades, current challenges, and future opportunities.
Dr. Sylvia Tumuhairwe, the Deputy Managing Director of Finance and Corporate Strategy, highlighted that NWSC operates in 270 areas, sourcing water from lakes, rivers, and other locations nationwide. Dr. Tumuhairwe stressed the importance of meeting the water quality standards set by the World Health Organization and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. Additionally, she emphasized the financial challenges faced by the corporation, including unpaid bills from government entities. Dr. Tumuhairwe sought the committee’s assistance in ensuring timely payments to alleviate the corporation’s financial strain. She also explained how the corporation’s revenue is allocated to staff welfare, power bills, and the procurement of imported chemicals used for water treatment. Despite the current tariff not fully recovering costs, NWSC manages to cover operational and maintenance expenses while leaving room for minor investments.
Mr. Joel Senyonyi, the Chairman of COSASE, expressed gratitude to NWSC and its management for hosting the committee’s visit. He highlighted the committee’s objective of familiarizing themselves with the corporation’s operations. Mr. Senyonyi requested remedial plans from the management to improve services, especially in hilly areas of Jinja. He also urged NWSC to share all correspondences regarding electricity bills charged by UMEME, seeking to support the corporation’s plea for an adjusted tariff. Mr. Senyonyi assured that the committee would actively pursue outstanding payments owed by government entities. In conclusion, he commended NWSC for its efforts in staff welfare and encouraged the corporation to continue motivating its workforce within its means. The committee members also shared their remarks before heading to Iganga Area for further inspections.
Jinja Area’s vision is to be a perpetual model for Best Practice and Excellence in Water & Sewerage Service delivery. Mission: To Provide Excellent Water and Sewerage Services with Purpose, Energy, and Passion.
The Area, one of the original urban water supply and sewerage operations taken over by NWSC in 1972, is the second-largest operational area of the corporation after Kampala. It serves Jinja-Njeru and parts of Buikwe, Kamuli, and Kayunga districts, exporting water to Iganga and Mayuge districts. The area spans approximately 260 km², with a total area of 615 km². It serves a population of about 605,000 people, with water connections reaching 95% of the urban population and 80% of the rural population. The area boasts an extensive water pipe network of approximately 800 km, with additional expansions in recent years. Furthermore, there are two sewerage treatment plants with a combined capacity of treating approximately 16,000 m³ of wastewater daily.
The operations in the Jinja area exemplify a commitment to providing excellent water and sewerage services. The visit by the COSASE committee highlights the corporation’s dedication to transparency and accountability. By addressing the identified challenges and seizing future opportunities, NWSC can continue its mission of delivering purposeful, energetic, and passionate services to the people of Jinja and surrounding regions.
