Local leaders, including Mayors, RDCs, and Chairpersons, play a crucial role in National Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (NWSC) efforts to engage with grassroots communities and address their water and sanitation needs. As part of this strategy, NWSC holds Barrazas to facilitate dialogue and gather feedback from local stakeholders. One such event was held last month, May 2024 at the Corporation’s ongoing Nalukolongo Wastewater Treat Plant project site.
On June 20th, 2024, NWSC officials including; Senior Manager for Central Business District (CBD) Annet Kukunda; Public Relations Manager, Vivien Newumbe; Kisenyi Branch Manager, Babra Ariho; and Urban Pro-Poor Branch Manager, Evelyn Mukajusi, convened a preparatory meeting with Kampala Central Division Mayor, His Worship Salim Uhuru, to discuss an upcoming Water and Sanitation Baraza for the Central Business District Zone, which idea the Mayor wholeheartedly embraced.
Uhuru expressed his enthusiasm, describing the Barraza as an essential event for nurturing community engagement and addressing critical issues, while he lauded NWSC for its top-tier service delivery and commitment to enhancing service excellence. With the Baraza on the horizon, Mayor Uhuru emphasized its potential to elevate community relations and service excellence.
Senior Manager-CBD, Annet Kukunda, highlighted the Barraza’s role in bridging the gap between NWSC and the community while emphasizing the importance of empowering local leaders to effectively convey messages on water and sanitation issues, and facilitate constructive dialogue with their respective communities on behalf of the NWSC.
Vivien Newumbe, Public Relations Manager-KW, elaborated on the Barraza’s role as a platform for stakeholder engagement and mutual understanding. She noted its importance in communicating NWSC’s services, gathering stakeholder insights, and addressing challenges such as road grading that sometimes affect service delivery. Ms. Newumbe also revealed plans to expand the ‘Water and Sanitation Baraza’ across all divisions of Kampala, building on the positive reception observed in Rubaga division earlier this month.
This approach is a step forward in addressing community concerns and enhancing the quality of water and sanitation services with the help of fostered open dialogue and empowered local leaders throughout the corporation. With this, NWSC aims to create a sustainable and responsive service delivery model that meets the needs of its constituents.
