NWSC’s Kagera River Water project to boost dependable water supply system to Mbarara areas.

Communities in Mbarara and the surrounding areas are to benefit from the completed Kagera expanded Water supply system, made possible by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).  

The project Is expected to improve water access for the districts of Isingiro, Mbarara and Kiruhura, with a total production capacity of 30,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Engineer Dennis Muramuzi, General Manager of NWSC Mbarara says the 60-kilometer transmission stretch, which began construction in 2022, will substantially boost the regional water supply capacity from from Kagera River to the Boma reservoirs.

“This milestone represents a major step forward in enhancing the region’s water supply infrastructure and improving access to clean water for the communities of Mbarara and the surrounding areas,” he said.

The project began July 1, 2017, as a necessary supplement to the River Rwizi, which has seen a significant decline in volume because of climate change and human activity.

The River Rwizi currently provides 18 million liters of water daily, which is insufficient to meet demand. The Kagera River supplement is expected to provide an additional 12 million liters per day.

Uganda government secured a €68 million loan (8 billion) from the French Development Agency to implement the project which restored hope for residents in city areas such as Katete, Kakoba, Kakyeeka and Ntare.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to all teams, partners and stakeholders whose dedication and collaboration have made this accomplishment possible,” Muramuzi said.

The Kagera Water Project reached major progress when the contractor Sogea-Satom officially handed over staff house units which were allocated to National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) trainees who underwent intensive, hands-on training to prepare for full operation of the plant awaiting commissioningof the plant.

The plant is also connected both the Water Treatment Plant and the Kabingo booster station to the UEDCL power supply, constructing operator accommodation and sanitary facilities at Kabingo booster, completing valve chambers along the Boma transmission mains, and laying a DN 700 wash-out drainage pipeline from the Boma reservoirs into the public drainage system.