Kiswa Market, in Nakawa Division, has long been a bustling hub for vendors, accommodating around 2000 traders across its 23 bars. However, amidst the vibrancy of commerce, a persistent issue plagued the market: inadequate toilet facilities. This deficiency led to a surge in open defecation cases, tarnishing the market’s image and posing serious health risks to the public.
Market administrator, Ms. Christine Byasiginaho, managing Kiswa Market under the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), shed light on the ongoing struggles. She revealed a disconcerting statistic: an average of 33 instances of improper waste disposal occur each month within the market premises. Faced with dilapidated facilities, vendors resorted to unsanitary practices such as “flying toilets,” exacerbating the sanitation crisis.
In a ray of hope amidst these challenges, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) intervened. Through the Kampala Water L. Victoria Water and Sanitation 5B package, NWSC constructed new toilet facilities and an open working space, offering a lifeline to Kiswa Market. Their initiative, spanning nine sanitation facilities across six schools, two markets, and one public space at Centenary Park, is something to write home about.
Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, NWSC’s Managing Director, extended gratitude to the Ugandan and French governments, particularly the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), for their steadfast support. He detailed the project’s components, highlighting the construction of a sewerage plant in Nalukolongo (Component A) and water and sanitation initiatives (Component B). With a total investment of 29 million euros and 58% completion progress, Dr. Mugisha anticipated project completion by October, promising substantial benefits upon completion, especially for informal settlements.
At the commissioning ceremony, Ms. Dorothy Kisaka, KCCA’s Executive Director, hailed NWSC’s efforts, emphasizing sanitation’s significant role in vital sectors like schools, hospitals, and markets. She commended NWSC for aligning with KCCA’s mission of infrastructure enhancement and urban development. Expressing gratitude, she urged stringent maintenance of the facilities, underlining the importance of sustaining their functionality.
Mr. Olivier Pannetier, the acting AFD Country Director, and Mr. Jan Alber, KFW-Kampala Director, stressed the need for maintenance to ensure sustained community benefit from the facilities. Under the Kampala Water L. Victoria Water and Sanitation 5B package, the project aims to connect residents to the sewer network, construct sanitation facilities, and establish water points in informal settlements and public areas. This initiative signals a transformative phase for Kampala, promising improved living standards and concerted disease prevention efforts.
The NWSC remains committed to “Water and Sanitation for All”.
