Today was a very special day following a visit by Rt Hon Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda accompanied by other members of Parliament.
The Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa, commended the Managing Director, Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, and NWSC as a whole for their remarkable efforts in accelerating access to clean and safe water to all Ugandans. He pledged on behalf of Parliament support for the corporation’s mission to enhance water supply throughout the Kampala Metropolitan area and Uganda at large.
During his visit, Hon. Tayebwa, known for his meticulous observation and advocacy of responsible governance, offered valuable insights that align with the promise of water for all. He urged NWSC to ensure sustainable water supply to all intended beneficiaries of the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant project. This call came after a thorough analysis of the project’s successful completion progress in providing access to clean drinking water.
Hon. Tayebwa also suggested exploring alternative power supply sources to complement conventional electricity. This measure would guarantee a 100% water supply reliability for NWSC’s Water Treatment Plants.
Impressed by the facilities, the Deputy Speaker commended NWSC for their efficient use of allocated funds in establishing the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant. He praised the corporation for its accountability, reflected in the diligence, effort, and timely completion of projects like the KDWTP. In his own words, he stated, “When I see NWSC’s performance, I do not see why it shouldn’t be supported. This is exemplary accountability.”
The Deputy Speaker assured that Parliament stands ready to support NWSC’s request for additional funding to complete essential water distribution projects in the greater Kampala metropolitan area, particularly for reservoirs and pipelines in areas like Kanyanya and Kabulengwa.
During the visit, NWSC’s Managing Director, Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha, welcomed the esteemed guests and provided a detailed account of the allocated funds. Notably, NWSC received 300 million Euros for the Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant project. The corporation went on to impressively use 240 million Euros and intends to wisely invest the remaining 60 million Euros in expanding the pipeline network and constructing additional reservoirs, including one in Kanyanya. However, to ensure a consistent supply of safe and clean piped water to all with the help of more reservoirs, infrastructure rehabilitation, piping network, an additional 45 million Euros is required, necessitating Parliament’s approval.
Dr. Eng Mugisha also called on Parliament to reconsider the electricity tariff currently applied to NWSC’s facilities. The commercial tariff, which NWSC currently bears, leads to substantial monthly bills. He therefore proposed transitioning the corporation to the industrial tariff, a move that would enhance the organization’s ability to invest in extending water supply to the unserved population.
Notably, before his visit to the Katosi DWTP, Hon. Tayebwa stopped at the Nsumba reservoir, where he witnessed the potential for increased water supply, particularly benefiting residents of Mukono, Wakiso, Gayaza, Kampala and its surrounding areas. He encouraged NWSC to expand water reserves in water-stressed regions of greater Kampala to ensure sustainable water supply.
With each passing day, NWSC continues to pave the way for a more secure, efficient, reliable, sustainable, and accountable water supply system in Uganda. Their commitment to service, coupled with the Deputy Speaker’s well-considered statements on responsible governance, financial sustainability, and reliable infrastructure, positions NWSC to realize its promise of “Water for All” for the people of Uganda.
