KAMPALA: National Housing has initiated a partnership with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to overhaul the water supply system for the Bugolobi flats, a residential community of 960 homes currently dependent on six aging storage tanks. This collaboration aims to address the pressing issue of non-functional storage tanks that has left the community reliant on a direct water supply.
The Bugolobi flats complex, divided into several blocks, is served by six storage tanks. Blocks 1-10 are equipped with two tanks, each holding 60 cubic meters of water, while blocks 25 and 26, earmarked for future development, contain four tanks. The current inefficiency of these tanks necessitated the involvement of NWSC to find a sustainable solution for the residents.
However, a critical challenge to the project emerged due to a land ownership dispute between National Housing and the community residing behind blocks 25 and 26, which has complicated efforts to refurbish and relocate the necessary infrastructure.
A crucial meeting took place between Kampala Water Management, led by the General Manager, Eng. Mahmood Lutaya, and a team from National Housing, during which NWSC presented three potential solutions that include; resizing the tanks in blocks 1-10 and reconfiguring the water supply network to serve the entire community, refurbishing one tank and delaying further action until the land dispute is resolved, or maintaining the current direct supply system.
To show commitment, a site visit by NWSC staff, including Chief Manager Water Supply, Francis Kateeba; Chief Manager Water Production, Andrew Muhwezi, and several network engineers and local officials, was conducted to assess the situation firsthand. The team, which also included the Plant Manager of Ggaba Water Treatment Plant, Thomas Mukhwana, and Nakawa Branch Manager, Henry Kaweesi, alongside L.C. Chairman Francis Emojong, aimed to formulate an effective plan to resolve the water supply issues.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the following to finalize the course of action. NWSC remains dedicated to ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply for all.