The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has embarked on an ambitious UGX 373 billion water project aimed at improving water supply in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). This significant undertaking, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), will benefit an additional 1 million people, taking the total population served in GKMA to 6 million.
The project, part of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (KW-LV WATSAN) project, will overhaul the region’s water infrastructure. The 30-month project, set to commence on November 15, 2024, includes 71 km of primary network pipelines, three booster stations, and three reservoirs with a combined capacity of 13.5 million litres.
The landmark project aims to address the prevailing water distribution challenges in GKMA, which have limited the utilisation of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant’s capacity. The plant, commissioned in December 2022, has a capacity to supply up to 160 million litres of water per day, but only 52% of this capacity is currently being utilised due to insufficient water distribution capacity.
The project is a testament to the successful collaboration between the Government of Uganda and its partners, including the KfW Development Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF), and counterpart funding from the Government of Uganda under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni.
NWSC MD Dr. Eng Silver Mugisha praised the development partners and the government, saying,
“The works started in 2010 with a feasibility test, upgrade works at Ggaba water works, Katosi water treatment plant, and associated transmission main, among other works. We appreciate the unwavering support from the development partners and the government of Uganda. We stress to the contractor that the project should be delivered within cost and time.”
Uganda’s water revolution is underway, bringing hope and improved lives to millions.
