The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has officially commissioned the construction phase of the Mbale Water Supply Project’s second lot in a contract signing ceremony with the contractors, China Communications Construction Company Ltd, on August 21st, 2024. This endeavor, aimed at addressing both current and future water needs, is set to provide a lifeline to Mbale and its surrounding areas, ensuring access to safe, clean water and improved sanitation to over 850,000 residents.
The Mbale Water Supply and Sanitation System is a blueprint for the future of Mbale’s ever growing population which continues to heighten the demand for water, a necessity that, by 2040, is expected to surge dramatically. However, this project, meticulously planned with a forward-looking vision, seeks to meet these future needs while addressing the immediate challenges faced by this rapidly urbanizing region.
During the contract signing ceremony at NWSC’s headquarters in Nakasero, Managing Director Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha spoke passionately about the broader impact of the project, emphasizing that this initiative goes beyond the mere construction of pipelines and facilities, but is rather about transforming the very fabric of the communities it serves.
“The true value of this project lies in its ability to change lives,” Dr. Mugisha remarked. “By ensuring that even the most underserved areas have access to clean water and proper sanitation, we are not just improving public health, we are securing a brighter future for the people in this region.”
Notably, the Government of Uganda, backed by substantial support from the World Bank through the Integrated Water Management and Development Project (IWMDP), is driving this initiative.
The project is divided into two main packages, each with a specific focus. NWSC is spearheading Package 1, which involves constructing the core infrastructure for water supply and sanitation systems. This package is further divided into two lots, with Lot 1 concentrating on the water supply and sewerage systems in Mbale, and Lot 2, which has now kicked off, is dedicated to expanding the water distribution network and establishing much-needed sanitation facilities.
Meanwhile, Package 2, overseen by the Ministry of Water and Environment, ensures that the benefits of this project extend beyond Mbale to neighboring districts. Rural growth centers such as Tirinyi, Kibuku, Kadama, Budaka, Butaleja, and Busolwe will also see improvements in their water and sanitation services, making this a truly regional effort.
Under Lot 2, the construction includes a 51-kilometer pipeline designed to extend the reach of clean water across Mbale, ensuring that even the most remote areas are not left behind. In addition, a new booster station will be built in Nyondo to maintain consistent water pressure throughout the network. To address the pressing issue of sanitation in informal settlements, five public toilets will be constructed, providing clean and accessible facilities that are essential for public health.
The project, slated to begin on October 1st, 2024 with completion expected by December 31st, 2025, will cost UGX 28.87 billion.
As the first steps of construction begin, many in the region are looking forward to the project elevating public health and driving economic growth, support local businesses, and create a stable environment for development.
With NWSC’s commitment to “Water for All”, Uganda is bound to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.
