The NWSC’s New Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project in Rubaga To Benefit over 650,000 Residents

The Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Package 5B project (KW LV WATSAN) that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has established in Rubaga division Kampala is set to benefit over 650,000 residents upon completion.

The project according to NWSC engineers at 70% completion is projected to be finalized in October 2024 and will feature, the Nalukulongo faecal sludge treatment plant, water and sanitation services, faecal sludge points, dumping stations, and pilot condominium sewers.

The progress on this project was revealed during a Baraza on June 7th, 2024, at the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant organized by The Kampala Water (KW) region of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and KfW.

The meeting which was aimed at reviewing the progress of the Rubaga-based project brought together key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Rubaga Division, the Deputy RCC, and local leaders among others.

During the Baraza, stakeholders toured the Nalukulongo treatment plant, gaining insights into its design and capabilities. This was followed by a Q&A session, where local leaders addressed concerns about meter theft, response times to leakages, and impersonation of NWSC staff. These issues were addressed by the Nateete branch team, tasked with handling operational matters in the area.

During the meeting, Eng. Geoffrey Kasirikale, the Project Manager, provided an overview of the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant, highlighting its capacity of 400 million cubic meters per day. With construction already 70% complete since its commencement in December 2022, the plant is slated for completion by October 2024.

He said that a significant facet of the project involves the construction and renovation of 64 modern sanitation facilities across various public spaces, including KCCA schools, prisons, police stations, and taxi parks, benefiting over 200,000 individuals. Additionally, the extension of 55 km of water pipelines to informal settlements is expected to substantially improve water supply reliability in these areas.

“As part of enhancing service efficiency, the procurement and installation of 2,600 prepaid meters are underway, with 1,200 meters designated for new sites and 1,400 for replacing outdated ones within Kampala City and its greater metropolitan area” read the statement

The mayor of Rubaga Division, His Worship Mbereza Zacchy, expressed gratitude to NWSC for selecting the Rubaga Division for the Sewerage Treatment Plant, acknowledged its significant role in addressing waste disposal challenges, and highlighted the ongoing issue of flooding caused by narrow drainage channels, seeking NWSC’s assistance in mitigating this problem. Mayor Zacchy also suggested a collaborative approach with the NWSC for the installation of prepaid meters.

Deputy RCC Rubaga Division, Maureen Keita, commended the project for its transformative potential and praised NWSC’s partnership with the community. She urged leaders to protect wetlands and prevent settlements in these vital areas.

General Manager of KW, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya thanked the Ugandan government for its support and urged Kampala residents to embrace the project. He emphasized the project’s benefits in enhancing waste management systems on Kampala’s eastern side. Eng. Lutaaya also pledged to collaborate with KCCA to address drainage issues and called for local leaders’ support in combating water theft, a significant problem affecting NWSC’s operations.

KW Senior Manager of Sewerage Services, Eng. James Maiteki, highlighted the transformative impact of the Nalukulongo Sewerage Treatment Plant, emphasizing its role in improving sanitation and waste management for over 650,000 people. He underscored the project’s potential to enhance public health and stressed the importance of community collaboration and wetland protection for long-term success.

Under the Kampala Water L. Victoria Water and Sanitation package 5B, 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.