The Karuma-Gulu Water Supply and Sanitation Project is nearing its final stages, with construction progress now surpassing 90%. This achievement brings Gulu and surrounding regions closer to benefiting from a reliable and sustainable water supply, with the project expected to begin full-scale operation in the coming weeks.
During a recent two-day monthly progress review, a team from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), led by Senior Director of Projects and Capital Development (SD P&CD) – Eng. Paddy Twesigye, joined consultants from Fichtner Water & Transport and contractors from Sogea Satom and DENYS for in-depth discussions and site inspections.
The review focused on recent construction milestones, outstanding tasks, and the final phases of project coordination needed to ensure timely completion. To note, the water transmission pipeline from Karuma to Gulu, overseen by DENYS, has reached an impressive 93% completion whereas construction work on the water treatment plant at Karuma, a reinforced concrete reservoir at customs corner in Gulu, and water supply systems for towns along the pipeline route are approximately 95% complete.
During the discussions, Eng. Paddy Twesigye expressed appreciation for the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the contractors and acknowledged the arrival of all necessary materials in Uganda, which he said positions the project for timely finalization. He emphasized the importance of effective coordination between DENYS and Sogea Satom as the project transitions into the final phase of integration. Eng. Paddy also projected that water could begin flowing through the pipeline within two weeks, a very key milestone as the project approaches its official commissioning.
He reminded contractors to diligently manage the defects and liability period, emphasizing that quality assurance remains a priority even as the project nears completion. He accentuated the importance of the final stages as an opportunity to evaluate the project’s objectives and outcomes.
In preparation for the start of operations, the project team has ramped up several final activities. For instance, pipeline pressure testing is ongoing, with 36.5 kilometers of the 69.5-kilometer pipeline successfully tested so far. This process is essential to confirm the system’s reliability and safety. Meanwhile, the Nile Water Treatment Plant is set to undergo wet commissioning and reliability testing to ensure that it meets operational standards. Landscaping work around project sites is also underway, with efforts focused on restoring and enhancing the area following construction.
With these last steps in place, anticipation keeps building with one thing in mind, that the Karuma-Gulu Water Supply and Sanitation Project will deliver a much-needed, sustainable water supply to Gulu and neighboring communities. A milestone that will be a major achievement in Uganda’s water infrastructure development, promising long-term benefits for the region.
