In a significant step towards alleviating Masaka’s long standing water supply challenges, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) -Masaka zonal area conducted a comprehensive project progress review workshop on September 25th, 2023. The event, held under the guidance of the NWSC Deputy Managing Director- Technical Services, Eng. Johnson Amayo, took place at the prestigious Zebra Hotel in Masaka City. The workshop garnered participation from key stakeholders in the Masaka community, including local leaders, technical experts, and religious figures. One of the highlights of the workshop was a visit to the Bukakata landing site, where water will be sourced from the vast expanse of Lake Victoria.
Eng. Amayo, revealed that the Government of Uganda has allocated a substantial budget of 126 million Euros for the Development of Water and Sanitation in Masaka and Mbarara Areas, and the funding is made possible through the support of the French Agency for Development (AFD).
Notably, the heart of the Masaka Water project lies in the construction of a water intake facility on Lake Victoria, situated at the Bukakata landing site. This facility will have an impressive capacity of 28 million litres. Complementing this intake is a conventional water treatment plant capable of processing 14 million litres of water. The treated water will then be transported via a 40-kilometer pumping station to Kako Reservoir. Along the way, an intermediate booster station at Kako will play a crucial role in ensuring consistent water flow. The Kako Hill reservoir, with a capacity of 2 million litres, and the distribution lines to existing reservoirs in Kitovu, Boma, and Bwala, complete this ambitious infrastructure plan.
Eng. Amayo also provided a detailed timeline for the project’s various phases. The launch of the tender is scheduled for October 2023, with the reception of bids slated for January 2024. Contract signing is expected in April 2024, followed by the commencement of construction activities in May 2024. The project is set to conclude with technical commissioning in November 2025.
Engaging with the community, General Manager of NWSC-Masaka zonal Area, Engineer Mujuni Emma, emphasized the transformative impact of the Masaka Water Project, stating that once completed, it will eliminate the persistent water supply challenges that have been a source of concern for the people of Masaka. He extended his gratitude to NWSC Management, led by Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, for their relentless commitment to addressing Masaka’s water needs. Eng. Mujuni also urged residents to ensure timely payment of utility bills and report any issues promptly, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in delivering effective water services.
The MP of Bukoto East, Hon. Kanyike Evans, representing the area’s leadership, expressed heartfelt appreciation to NWSC for spearheading the Masaka Water Project. He recognized the project’s potential to resolve the water crisis in the Masaka sub-region and pledged unwavering political and community support. Hon. Kanyike emphasized the wide-ranging socio-economic benefits that access to clean and safe water would bring, fostering the socio-economic transformation of the community.
With substantial government funding, meticulous planning, and unwavering community support, the Masaka Water Project is poised to alleviate water scarcity and usher in a new era of prosperity for Masaka. The journey has begun, and come May 2024, the people of Masaka can look forward to a reliable and sustainable source of clean water, a vital foundation for the region’s development and growth.
