NWSC Upgrade to Bring Better Water Supply to Greater Kampala

[Archival Sense]

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) says an ongoing water network upgrade in Greater Kampala could improve supply reliability and extend services to up to one million additional people once completed.

The project is aimed at addressing distribution network constraints that have limited the use of water produced at the Katosi Water Treatment Plant. Although the plant can produce 160 million litres daily, it currently supplies only about half of that capacity because of limitations in the existing network.

NWSC says the works will expand the distribution system and improve access to water in underserved and water-stressed communities.

The project includes laying 69 kilometres of transmission mains, constructing reservoirs at Kanyanya, Kabulengwa and Mutungo, establishing booster stations at Kungu and Kabulengwa, and upgrading the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at major installations.

The expanded network is expected to improve supply reliability and serve communities in Kira, Kasangati, Namugongo, Buwaate, Bulindo, Mulawa, Gayaza, Matugga, Kawempe, Nansana, Wakiso and surrounding areas. It is designed to meet water demand through 2040.

The overall project is scheduled for completion in August 2027, although some sections are expected to come online earlier. The Namugongo–Kasangati pipeline, for example, is scheduled for commissioning in January 2027.

NWSC has also acknowledged disruption caused by excavations and pipe-laying, particularly on roads and in residential areas, and says infrastructure reinstatement is part of the project.

The Corporation says restoration of affected roads, verges, walkways and other areas is expected to begin this month. Some gravel road sections have already been reinstated after pipe-laying and testing were completed, with further works to follow as individual sections are finalised.

NWSC is coordinating with municipal authorities and the Ministry of Works and Transport, while prioritising utility corridors to reduce future damage and disruption.

The Corporation says contractors have been directed to restore affected infrastructure to its original condition or better, and has appealed for public patience as the project progresses.


Courtesy photos