Euros 165m Grant: NWSC Secures French Agency’s Funding with Focus on Expansion of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Newly Designated cities

In a significant development aimed at bolstering water and sanitation infrastructure in newly designated cities, the Government of Uganda has secured a Euros 165 million grant from the Agence Francaise de Development (AfD). This funding, equivalent to approximately UGX168 billion, will be channeled through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to conduct a feasibility study for a transformative development project.

The project’s focus lies on enhancing piped water and sanitation infrastructure in three key cities: Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira. NWSC Managing Director, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, unveiled the ambitious plan during a press briefing at the corporation’s headquarters in Nakasero. Outlined within the comprehensive project are four pivotal components:

Construction of a conventional water treatment plant and associated infrastructure. Rehabilitation, upgrading, and expansion of existing sewer networks. Refurbishment and expansion of sewage treatment plants. Expansion and enhancement of water supply and sanitation services, particularly targeting underserved urban communities.

Dr. Mugisha highlighted existing challenges faced by these cities, including hydraulic bottlenecks, outdated equipment, and deficient plant designs, resulting in water supply systems operating below capacity. Despite attaining city status, Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira grapple with inadequate sewer network coverage and aged infrastructure.

Fort Portal’s primary water source, River Mpanga, has suffered environmental degradation due to improper land use practices within its catchment area. Conversely, Hoima relies on groundwater, which proves unreliable and insufficient to meet the city’s escalating water demands, particularly with its burgeoning oil industry.

Upon successful implementation, over 1,050,000 residents across Fort Portal, Hoima, and Lira stand to benefit from improved water and sanitation services by the year 2040. This ambitious undertaking aligns with Uganda’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those pertaining to water and sanitation access.

With funding secured and plans underway, the project signals a promising stride towards ensuring sustainable and equitable access to clean water and sanitation facilities for the burgeoning urban populations of these vital Ugandan cities.

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Joan Atuhwera: Joan Atuhwera is a Business Administration Graduate, a Human Rights activist and writer with over five years’ experience in pursuing justice for others via her keyboard. She can also be reached via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +256774334595