The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has launched an ambitious Corporate Plan for 2024-2027, aimed at broadening water and sanitation services across Uganda. The plan, titled “Water and Sanitation for All,” builds on recent achievements, including expanding the asset base from UGX 3.5 trillion to UGX 4.5 trillion and increasing customer connections from 785,000 to 950,000.
Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu, Board Chairman, highlighted that the new plan tackles key challenges such as inadequate financing, high levels of Non-Revenue Water, and climate change impacts. “We aim to align with the Government’s policy direction and support the National Development Plan (NDP-III) and the proposed NDP IV (2025-2030),” said Eng. Kiggundu.
The plan focuses on three main areas: boosting production and industrialization, expanding water coverage while promoting health and equity, and enhancing private sector involvement with a focus on local content. NWSC has set seven global goals, including growing the customer base to 1,135,000 connections, improving Non-Revenue Water performance, and increasing annual turnover to UGX 702 billion.
Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha emphasized that the plan addresses stakeholder needs and aims to transform NWSC into a self-reliant utility with strong financial and technical capabilities. “We expect to build a vibrant utility with robust financial and technical self-reliance,” Dr. Mugisha said.
The corporation has identified risks such as rapid urbanization, technological changes, and climate change, and has outlined measures to mitigate these risks. The plan has been submitted to the Minister of Water and Environment following the conclusion of the 2021-2024 Corporate Plan.
Dr. Mugisha reviewed NWSC’s performance over the past decade, noting substantial growth in key areas. The population served has risen from 5 million in 2014 to 17.5 million in 2021, with a target of 24 million by 2027 and 32 million by 2034. The number of connections grew from 366,200 in 2014 to 785,000 in 2021, with a goal of 1,135,000 by 2027 and 1,565,383 by 2034. The network length expanded from 8,100 km in 2014 to 19,300 km in 2021, with projections of 23,142 km by 2027 and 28,217 km by 2034.
NWSC’s assets increased from UGX 0.7 trillion in 2014 to UGX 4.5 trillion in 2024, with a target of UGX 5.1 trillion by 2027 and UGX 7.2 trillion by 2034. Annual turnover rose from UGX 180 billion in 2014 to UGX 634 billion in 2024, with a projection of UGX 867 billion by 2027. Budget cost coverage improved from 50% in 2014 to 63% in 2024, with a target of 68% by 2027 and 82% by 2034.
Despite progress, NWSC faces challenges such as water theft, meter inaccuracies, and water availability issues. To address these, NWSC is collaborating with government agencies, improving consumption measurement policies, and enhancing water production.
A €93 million water distribution improvement project will soon begin in Kampala to address hydraulic constraints, with similar projects planned for other towns to tackle water availability during dry seasons. “This project will improve water supply in areas such as Wakiso, Nansana, Bombo road-Matugga, Gayaza road, old Masaka road-Kyengera, Mutundwe, and Bunamwaya,” said Dr. Mugisha.
He also mentioned ongoing service improvement projects in towns like Mbarara, Insingiro, Mbale, Soroti, and Moroto. Dr. Mugisha attributed the progress to the Government of Uganda’s commitment to ensuring water and sanitation for all.
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