Efforts to curb the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment, especially into Lake Victoria, are taking shape through the Kampala Sanitation Infrastructure Project – South East Luzira Catchment Area (SOLCA). Spearheaded under the Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Programme, the project is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Germany through KfW, with a total investment of €13.17 million.
The project aims to strengthen Kampala’s sewerage system through the construction of pumping stations, pressure pipelines, and sewer networks to safely transfer wastewater from the Luzira Sub-Catchment Area to the Nakivubo Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Targeted areas include Luzira Prisons, Port Bell, Mutungo, and surrounding communities.
The scope of the project is structured in two phases. Phase one covered project identification and a detailed feasibility study, which laid the groundwork for the sewer network in key Luzira locations. Phase two, now underway, focuses on detailed design, tender documentation, contractor procurement, and supervision of the construction works.
From inception, the focus has been to develop infrastructure that is durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient, qualities essential for long-term sustainability.
To guide the transition into this critical phase, a design workshop was held at the International Resource Centre (IREC) in Bugolobi, convening stakeholders from development agencies, the project implementation team, and technical staff from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), among others. Discussions centered on infrastructure design, harmonization of stakeholder expectations, and strategies to ensure a smooth and collaborative implementation process.
NWSC emphasized the project’s potential to significantly improve sewerage service coverage within Kampala. With only 13,753 customer accounts currently connected to the sewer system, representing about 13% of the city’s total water revenue, the SOLCA project presents both a service and business growth opportunity, particularly for the Kampala Water region.
Key officials present at the workshop included Eng. Paddy Twesigye, NWSC Director of Planning and Capital Development; Eng. Joe Kamanyi, Director of Infrastructure Planning and Development; Eng. James Miateki, Chief Manager of Sewerage Services; Mr. Xavier Francis Elubu, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons; Eng. Geoffrey Kasirikale, Project Manager; Eng. Sharon Karungi, Manager of Social Safeguards; Eng. Scovia Owomugisha, Nakivubo WWTP Operations Manager; Eng. Kwitonda Angelo, Sewer Network Manager; and Mr. Arsene Mukubwa, among others.
With the technical designs nearing completion and implementation strategies being fine-tuned, the project is on course to break ground. Once operational, it will improve sanitation for thousands of households, ease the ecological strain on Lake Victoria, and strengthen NWSC’s capacity to provide reliable sewerage services, contributing to Kampala’s broader vision of sustainable urban development.
Related Posts:
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply