*By John Kusolo*
The Government of Uganda, through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), is set to launch a UGX 373 billion water supply improvement project for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). This highly anticipated initiative, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), is part of the Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (KW-LV WATSAN) project and will address the growing water distribution needs of the region.
*Project Scope and Impact*
The project will focus on rehabilitating, restructuring, rezoning, and extending the water supply network in key areas such as Kira, Kasangati, Kanyanya, Gayaza Road, Kitezi, Kawanda, Matugga, Kawempe, Nansana, Mutungo, Bweyogere, and Wakiso. By improving the water infrastructure, the project aims to provide reliable water supply to an additional 1 million people, raising the total population served in the GKMA to 6 million.
A major component of the project includes the construction of 71 kilometers of primary network pipelines, three booster stations, and three reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 13.5 million liters. These developments are expected to enhance the region’s water distribution system, maximizing the capacity of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant, which was commissioned in December 2022.
*Challenges in Water Distribution*
Although the Katosi Water Treatment Plant has a capacity to supply up to 160 million liters of water per day, only 52% of this capacity is currently being utilized due to the inadequate water distribution network. The project will address this bottleneck, allowing for the plant’s full capacity to be realized. Once completed, the project will ensure stable water supply across the GKMA, resolving longstanding distribution challenges.
The Katosi plant, designed to produce 240 million liters of water per day, currently outputs 160 million liters daily. Combined with the Ggaba Water Works, which produces an additional 240 million liters daily, Kampala and its surrounding areas will benefit from a total water production capacity of 400 million liters per day. This will not only meet current demand but also cater to the growing water needs of the metropolitan area in the future.
*Project Timeline and Execution*
The water project is scheduled to commence on November 15, 2024, and is expected to be completed within 30 months. The construction works will be executed by the French contractor Sogea Satom under the supervision of Artelia in association with Gauff Consultants Uganda Limited.
The project is part of a larger effort funded by international partners including KfW Development Bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF), and the Government of Uganda. This collaboration has already achieved significant milestones, including the construction of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant.
Speaking at the project signing ceremony, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Silver Mugisha emphasized the importance of this project in resolving water supply issues in the GKMA. He explained that the feasibility study for this project began in 2010, and it has since involved various upgrade works at the Ggaba Water Works and the development of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant.
Dr. Mugisha acknowledged the support from the Government of Uganda and the development partners in driving the water sector’s progress, noting that the Katosi plant has played a vital role in stabilizing water supply in Kampala and surrounding districts like Mukono and Wakiso. However, he stressed that the current water evacuation system is insufficient, limiting the plant to only 52% of its capacity. The ongoing project will resolve this by expanding the water distribution infrastructure.
Addressing the contractor, Dr. Mugisha urged Sogea Satom to deliver the project on time and within the allocated budget. He highlighted the corporation's trust in the contractor, who has already successfully completed components of the project.
*Future of Water Supply in GKMA
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This project represents a major step toward ensuring a reliable water supply for the GKMA. Once completed, it will alleviate water scarcity in water-stressed areas and enhance the quality of life for millions of residents. The combined efforts of the government and international development partners will secure long-term water security for the rapidly growing population in the Greater Kampala area.
The successful collaboration between the Government of Uganda and its partners demonstrates a shared commitment to improving critical infrastructure, ensuring that water distribution matches the production capacity of the region’s water treatment facilities. The project is a key component in achieving Uganda's broader goals of sustainable urban development and improved public health.
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