In a testament to its commitment to capacity-building and skills development, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) continues to make significant contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic landscape. The agency’s longstanding partnership with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has notably enhanced the operational efficiency and service delivery of Uganda’s water sector through training, benchmarking, and technical expertise.
Recently, a delegation from JICA, led by Technical Advisor Toru Tomioka, visited Uganda to gain deeper insights into NWSC’s operations. This visit, which served as both an assessment and benchmarking tour, underscored the agency’s unwavering support in advancing administrative and management excellence, water service delivery, and specialized training programs for NWSC staff.
Strengthening Skills for Better Service Delivery
Over the years, JICA has played a crucial role in equipping NWSC staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve water supply and sanitation services. Dr. Rose Kaggwa, NWSC’s Senior Director of Business and Scientific Services, lauded JICA’s impactful training initiatives, emphasizing their tangible benefits in enhancing service delivery.
Dr. Kaggwa acknowledged the operational challenges NWSC faces, including rising costs of energy and chemicals, deteriorating water quality from Lake Victoria, and persistent water theft issues. She appealed for continued JICA support, particularly in the form of scholarships and advanced training programs focused on water supply management, water quality improvement, non-revenue water (NRW) reduction, and wastewater management. With enhanced collaboration, she expressed optimism that NWSC could further strengthen its capacity to meet the growing demands of Ugandan communities.
A Comprehensive Tour of Key Installations
During their visit, the JICA delegation toured several critical installations, gaining firsthand exposure to NWSC’s innovative approaches to water management:
- District Metered Area (DMA) at Sunset Apartments– A strategic initiative aimed at optimizing water distribution and reducing non-revenue water in the greater Kampala Metropolitan region.
- Katosi Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP)– The delegation examined operations, environmental conservation efforts, workplace safety measures, and the employment opportunities facilitated by NWSC.
- Susteq Prepaid Meter in Namuwongo’s Yooka Zone– A groundbreaking solution under the Urban Pro-Poor initiative designed to enhance access to clean water through improved payment convenience, accessibility, and affordability.
- NWSC Call Center– A 24/7 customer service hub staffed by approximately 84 personnel who handle an average of 1,200 customer complaints daily, ensuring prompt response and resolution.
- NWSC Water Quality Laboratory– The delegation observed extensive water testing procedures, including screening for pesticides, organic compounds, and other contaminants, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality water.
A Future of Sustainable Growth
JICA’s enduring partnership with NWSC continues to drive innovation, build technical capacity, and address critical challenges in Uganda’s water sector. As both entities forge ahead in their collaborative efforts, the shared vision of sustainable water management and improved service delivery remains a beacon of hope for the communities that depend on these essential services.
Through targeted training, technological advancements, and strategic interventions, the partnership between JICA and NWSC exemplifies the transformative power of international cooperation in addressing pressing developmental challenges. The ongoing collaboration ensures that Uganda’s water sector remains resilient, adaptive, and poised for sustainable growth in the years to come.
Author Profile
- Mr. Daniels N. Tatya is an affluent Sports Writer, Commentator and Editor. His over 15 years of covering almost major sporting events makes him a revered and an authority on investigative Sports journalism in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected] +256(0)758268315
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