NWSC Mbale Water Project Hits 97% as Testing and Commissioning Begin

The Mbale Water Supply and Sanitation Project has reached 97 percent physical completion, bringing the city and surrounding communities closer to improved access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services.

The project is being implemented by the Government of Uganda through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) as part of efforts to strengthen water and sanitation services in Mbale and neighbouring areas.

The latest progress was established during a two-day monitoring mission and monthly progress review involving the consultant, contractor, and NWSC project and area teams. The meeting focused on assessing the remaining works and preparing for testing, commissioning and eventual handover of the project.
During the monitoring exercise, the team inspected several key facilities, including the Namatala–Bungokho water transmission pipeline, Musola Reservoir, Bungokho Water Treatment Plant and Manafwa Water Treatment Plant.

According to the progress review, most of the project components are substantially complete. The IUIU sewerage network, sewer rehabilitation works, Busoba Reservoir, public sanitation facilities and distribution lines have all reached 100 percent completion.
The Namatala Water Treatment Plant is also nearing completion at 98 percent, while the Manafwa Water Treatment Plant currently stands at 93.3 percent. The remaining activities mainly involve finishing works, testing and closing identified snags.

At the Manafwa Water Treatment Plant, the outstanding works include testing pipes and pumps, carrying out water-tightness tests and completing a number of minor finishing activities before the facility can be fully commissioned.

Stakeholders agreed that a joint inspection will be conducted before the project is finally handed over. The inspection will help confirm that the completed facilities meet the required standards and that any remaining issues have been addressed.
Once commissioned, the project is expected to strengthen water supply and sanitation services in Mbale and surrounding towns. The development is also expected to improve access to safe water for residents while supporting better sanitation services across the project area.