Gov’t, NWSC partner to boost water supply in Nakaseke district

The Government and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) on one sign have signed an agreement with VAMBECO ltd worth Shs9 billion for the upgrading of the water system in Kapeeka. This comes at a time when the residents of Kapeeka in Nakaseke district complained about the inadequate supply of water to their areas.

According to NWSC Managing Director D Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the current water treatment plant in Kapeeka produces 2million litres of water per day which is not sufficient to meet the water supply needs of the community and the business park.

“The upgrade works when completed will boost water production to 7.5 million litres per day in support of the Government’s efforts to provide safe water for human consumption and economic development,” said Mugisha.

Although the government has a number of projects that are ongoing, this particular upgrade is unique because unlike other projects that have received funding from well-wishers and foreign governments, the kapeeka water project will solely be funded by the Ugandan Government. This marks another step towards the self-sustainability of Uganda and its progress towards middle income status.

The VAMBECO construction company is also another indigenous contractor that has been working within the East African region for over 15 years, with major projects put up within Kenya and some parts of Tanzania.

The newly commissioned project will see the volume of water supplied to residents of Kapeeka raised to 7.5 million litres per day from 2 million litres per day, said Mugisha.

“That is a timely. That place is one of the highly water stressed areas in Uganda. Last year I did a hydrological survey for an irrigation project, and could hardly find water…indeed, the people were less interested in water for agriculture, and instead asked H20 for drinking,” an official added.

NWSC Deputy MD Technical services Eng Johnson Amayo shared that the contractor Vambeco Ltd who completed phase 1 of the same project has experience of the local conditions and will complete the works within 18 months.

He added that the corporation is working to boost water supply in all business parks across the country namely; Kasese, Fort Portal, Soroti, Mbale among others.

Director Engineering services Eng. Alex Gisagara shared that the upgrade works will include;

• Upgrade of the raw pumping main.
  •Expand the existing plant from the current 2 million liters per day capacity to 7.5 million litres per day.
  •Installation of standby Generators
  •Upgrade of existing pumps
  •Laying of 7.8 km bulk transmission main to Kapeeka industrial park
  •Construction of a new 60,000 litres reservoir
  •Upgrade of the intake
  •Development of borehole water supply system among other works.

“Currently we serve Singo army barracks, Kapeeka town, and the surrounding areas. Upon completion, we shall extend a new line to Semuto,Bukomero, Kakinga, Natooke, Masiriba, Kituuma and the surrounding areas.” Vambeco CEO Haile Haile Banteyehun pledged to complete the works on time.

“We have worked on a number of water treatment plants in Uganda and promise to deliver the project on time,” he said