The new Minister of State for Water Aisha Sekindi has visited the largest sewerage treatment plant in East and Central Africa, at Bugolobi.
The plant will serve a population equivalent to over 850,000 people, treat over 45 million litres of wastewater including the dry flow from the Nakivubo channel before releasing water into Lake Victoria, produce manure, 630kw of power among others.
The plant also aims to find a sustainable solution to the rapidly deteriorating water quality in the inner and outer Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria
Speaking at the meeting, Hon Sekindi reiterated the Ministry’s commitment towards excellent water and sewerage services for all Ugandans across the country.
Hon Sekindi said that her Ministry is working on a number of projects to accelerate service delivery and attainment of the SDG6, a key focus area for the Government of Uganda.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Board member and representative of the Permanent Secretary Eng Joseph Eyatu lauded the corporation’s performance and efforts towards water for all.
He highlighted environmental degradation as a challenge, that escalates the cost of water treatment.
The NWSC Board Chairman Eng. Dr. Prof Badru. M. Kiggundu said that the Board, Management and Staff of NWSC are working tirelessly to deliver the corporation’s vision.
On behalf of the board, he pledged excellent services, strategic guidance and policy to propel NWSC to higher frontiers.
“We have completed works on a new corporate plan 2021-2023, which is anchored to the NDPIII and GoU’s commitment towards services for all.”he said
NWSC MD shared strides the corporation has made towards water for all since 1990;
- Areas of operation have grown from 5 towns in 1990 to now 256 areas of operation.
- Population served has increased from 500,000 people to now 15million people.
- NWSC has moved from 18% service coverage to now 85%
- Network length has expanded from 300kms to now 20,000kms
- The revenue has grown from 4million USD to now 130million USD
- The corporation had less than 200 employees in 1990. It’s now employing over 4000 Ugandans.
Dr. Mugisha added that NWSC is now focusing on water for all, introducing a prepaid metering policy and measures to curb water theft.
He urged customers to pay for water and enable the corporation meet the water production costs i.e power, chemicals, pipes, fittings, maintenance, power among others
Eng Johnson Amayo, the NWSC Deputy MD Technical services presented the NWSC strategic Framework, strategic priorities, performance over the years, performance improvement programmes, management strategies and undertakings, projects, the corporation’s external services arm, challenges and mitigation measures and strategic goals the corporation has placed to improved the lives of the people of Uganda.
