NWSC expansion projects to solve perennial water challenges in Hoima: MD Eng. Silver.

The Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has revealed that though oil rich areas around Hoima district has been facing seasonal water challenges, there are efforts by the Corporation through current expansion water projects that he said will address those challenges.  

He said that currently NWSC serves 284 towns across Uganda where they have about 1 million connections including households, institutions, schools, hospitals and businesses among others.

“When you estimate the number of people served through those 1 million connections, the figure comes to about 20 million Ugandans. These people are spread across the country. I am happy that National Water is now truly a national institution, unlike before when services were concentrated in a few urban centers” he said.

The MD revealed that on the water challenge facing Hoima areas he said that, “Hoima is one of the towns we serve, but it has perennial water challenges, especially during the dry season. This is mainly because most of the water comes from underground sources. We tried to source water from River Kafu, but the yield was not sufficient. As a result, much of Hoima City relies on underground water systems”

To solve the problem of Hoima areas he said currently they are projecting targeting the areas which he said will end that challenge.

“The good news is that we have a major expansion project under design to supply water to Hoima City and surrounding areas. We have completed feasibility studies and now know the investment required. We recently held a baraza with stakeholders to explain why water supply reduces during the dry season. Over the next five years, a major regional project will address these shortages” he said

Mugisha also noted that one of the major financial challenges facing the corporation comes from government institutions, where payment delays for water bills can exceed ten months.

However, he said government has recently made efforts to address the issue. In the current budget, about shs81 billion was allocated to reduce these arrears, and discussions with the Ministry of Finance are ongoing to clear the remaining domestic arrears.