A delegation of water resource experts from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources & Sanitation of Nigeria has embarked on a significant benchmarking visit to Uganda’s National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Comprising engineers, project managers, general managers, and international water sector development experts, the team’s five-day visit aims to explore various aspects of NWSC’s operations, with a primary focus on capacity development, technical expertise, financial sustainability, investment strategies, customer-centric approaches, as well as the challenges faced by NWSC and how the corporation successfully implements reform initiatives.
Dr. Rose Kagwa, Senior Director in charge of Business and Scientific Services at NWSC, extended a warm welcome to the Nigerian delegation during their arrival. In her address, Dr. Kagwa offered valuable insights into NWSC’s rich history and its operational journey over the past 50 years.
This collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources & Sanitation of Nigeria and NWSC represents a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange and cross-border learning within the water and sanitation sector. The key areas of interest for the Nigerian team lie in; Capacity Building, Technical Excellence, Financial Sustainability, Customer-Centric Approach, and Reform Implementation.
NWSC has a proven track record of nurturing and developing a skilled workforce. The Nigerian experts are keen to understand the methods and strategies employed by NWSC to build and maintain a competent workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the sector.
The exchange of technical knowledge and expertise is vital for improving water infrastructure and service delivery. NWSC’s technical excellence is expected to be a valuable source of inspiration for the Nigerian team.
Managing water resources and maintaining infrastructure is a costly endeavor. NWSC has achieved financial sustainability through responsible financial management. The Nigerian experts aim to gain insights into sustainable financial models.
Customer satisfaction and service quality are paramount in the water sector. NWSC’s customer-centric approach and innovative service delivery will be closely examined to determine how it can be adapted to Nigeria’s unique needs.
Every water corporation faces challenges, and the Nigerian team hopes to learn from NWSC’s experiences in addressing these challenges. Additionally, understanding how NWSC effectively implements reforms can provide valuable insights for Nigeria.
NWSC, with its 50 years of experience, has been at the forefront of providing reliable water and sewerage services to the Ugandan population. The corporation’s continuous commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability makes it an ideal destination for this benchmarking initiative. It serves as an example for other countries in the region, including Nigeria, aiming to enhance their water and sanitation services.
The visit not only strengthens the bonds of collaboration between the two nations but also fosters the exchange of best practices in the water sector. The insights gained from this visit will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of water resource management and service delivery in Nigeria and Uganda, promoting greater access to clean and safe water for both countries’ citizens.
