NWSC Shuts Kagera Plant for 12 Days, Affecting Mbarara and Isingiro Water Supply

Residents in Mbarara City and the neighboring Isingiro District are set to face a significant interruption in their water supply. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has announced a 12-day shutdown of the Kagera Water Treatment Plant, scheduled from October 1 to October 12, 2026.

This temporary closure is necessary for engineers to carry out extensive system reconfiguration and infrastructure upgrades. The primary goal of these works is to enhance the plant’s water production and distribution capabilities, integrate new networks, and ultimately improve the overall reliability of water services in the southwestern region.

During this period, technical teams will also conduct essential maintenance and structural adjustments. These efforts are designed to optimize hydraulic flow and ensure greater stability in water service delivery to customers.

The shutdown will impact a wide range of areas, including numerous villages and sub-counties in both Mbarara City and Isingiro District. Specific locations affected include Katete Central, Rwemirinzi, Karugangama, Bihunya, Kitebero, Rubeho, Karubanda, Kabaare villages I-VII, Kashenyi, Rwakiruri, Masha Sub-county, Nyamisindo, Kaberebere Town Council, Nyakakoni, Kacence, Lubiri, Rwobuyenje, Rwebishuri, Nyakiziba, Nyakabungo, and Butagatsi, along with their surrounding vicinities.

NWSC has advised all customers in the affected areas to store adequate water supplies before the shutdown commences and to use their stored water judiciously throughout the 12-day period. The corporation stated that the overhaul is a necessary step to address existing low-pressure issues and to better serve the growing populations in these settlements.

While the Ruharo and Rwebikoona water treatment plants will attempt to provide an alternative supply, these systems are also known to experience low-pressure challenges. NWSC anticipates that water supply will be gradually restored after October 12, once the reconfiguration is complete and the distribution network has had time to repressurize and stabilize. The corporation has apologized for the inconvenience caused by this necessary disruption, emphasizing that the upgrades are crucial for improving the long-term quality and reliability of water services.

Source: Nile Post