NWSC Mbale water project nears completion as major infrastructure works reach final stages

MBALE: The ambitious Mbale Water Supply and Sanitation Project has moved closer to completion, with key infrastructure works now in their final stages and overall physical progress exceeding 88 percent across its two construction lots.

A recent site inspection and progress review conducted by the Project Implementation Team, together with the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB), consultants and contractors, revealed significant advances in both water supply and sanitation components of the project.

According to project officials, Lot 1 has reached 88 percent completion while Lot 2 stands at 94 percent, signaling steady progress toward the project’s scheduled completion in August 2026.

At the Namatala water treatment facilities, most civil works have been completed, leaving only the construction of the sump and pump house at the intake point. Rock blasting activities at the sump area are currently underway to facilitate the remaining works, while contractors continue casting the clarifier inlet and installing interconnecting pipes.

Further progress was observed at Manafwa, where installation of interconnecting pipelines linking the new filtration systems to the existing clarifiers is advancing as planned. The integration is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of water treatment operations once the project becomes fully operational.

Sanitation infrastructure is also nearing completion. Public toilet facilities constructed under the project have entered the finishing stage, bringing improved sanitation services closer to residents and travelers within the project area.

At both the Doko and Namatala Wastewater Treatment Plants, contractors have commenced filling drying beds with the first layer of filter media, a critical step in preparing the facilities for wastewater treatment operations.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), the Mbale Water Supply and Sanitation Project is one of the largest water infrastructure investments in Eastern Uganda.

The project is designed to address growing demand for clean water and improved sanitation services in Mbale City and surrounding urban centers, including Butaleja, Busolwe, Budaka, Kadama, Kibuku and Tirinyi.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly strengthen water production, transmission and sanitation capacity across the region, improving public health outcomes and supporting economic development.

Officials estimate that by 2040, more than 646,000 people will benefit from the upgraded and expanded water and sanitation systems.

Beyond constructing new facilities, the project also involves rehabilitation and modernization of existing infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience of water services in the rapidly growing region.

With only weeks remaining before the targeted completion date, project managers say the works continue to maintain strong momentum, bringing Eastern Uganda closer to a future of reliable clean water access and improved sanitation.

For thousands of households, businesses and institutions that depend on these services, the project represents a major investment in public health, environmental protection and sustainable urban development, reinforcing NWSC’s commitment to delivering safe water and sanitation services to all Ugandans.