In a strategic move aimed to improve safe water provision to People in Mbarara District,National Water and Sewerage Corporation has completed Kagera River Water Project successfully.
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,” Muramuzi said.
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.
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.
NWSC is also undertaking several major water and sanitation projects, including the large-scale Katosi Water Treatment Plant, the Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Gaba Water Treatment Plant upgrades. Other key projects focus on improving water supply and sanitation in specific towns like Kakumiro, Tororo, and Mbale, as well as sanitation projects like the Kiruddu Wastewater Treatment Plant.
NWSC Major projects
- Katosi Water Treatment Plant: This is a major project to increase water production with a capacity of 160,000 cubic meters per day, including a transmission line, reservoirs, and booster stations.
- Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant: A large wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 45,000 cubic meters per day, built under the lake Victoria Protection Project.
- Gaba Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: Ongoing work to replace old pumps with new ones and perform asset renewals to ensure a more stable water supply for western Kampala.
- Kakumiro Water Supply Project: A project to increase production capacity by 3,000 cubic meters per day.
- Tororo Water Supply Project: Aimed at doubling the town’s water production capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 cubic meters per day, though it is currently on hold awaiting funding.