Shs 600bn Water Project Set to Transform Access for One Million People in Wakiso

Residents across rapidly growing areas of Wakiso, Mpigi, Kampala, and Entebbe are set to receive reliable access to safe water and sanitation. The ambitious initiative, valued at €145 million or approximately Shs 600 billion, is spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) on behalf of the government.

Funded by Impact Fund Denmark (IFDK), the Wakiso West Water and Sanitation Project addresses severe supply challenges in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods. Managing Director Silver Mugisha noted that the undertaking involves constructing a state-of-the-art water treatment plant at Bwerenga along Lake Victoria, boasting a daily capacity of 62.5 million liters.

In addition to the main plant, the infrastructure will feature a new raw water intake system, transmission pipelines, and five service reservoirs with a combined storage exceeding 15,250 cubic meters. Pumping stations are planned for Buloba, Katende, Maya, and Ssekiwunga to ensure steady distribution.

Crucially, the project prioritizes low-income and vulnerable populations. Approximately 160,000 residents living in informal settlements across areas like Kajjansi, Kyengera, and Wakiso Town Council will benefit directly. Plans include setting up 941 community water dispensers to guarantee affordable and safe water access in underserved neighborhoods.

To tackle broader environmental concerns, a decentralized faecal sludge treatment plant will be built in Kajjansi. This facility is designed to process at least 400 cubic meters of waste daily, significantly improving local sanitation standards.

The implementation phase recently advanced following the signing of a consultancy contract with Danish firm NIRAS A/S, partnering with Germany’s Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG, alongside local sub-consultants. Detailed engineering designs and tender preparations will run for 20 months, followed by 30 months of construction and commissioning.

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