Uganda  signs sh350b water, road projects

KAMPALA - Government has signed an 85 million euros (about sh350b) project to boost water and road infrastructure in Kampala. 

The funds are a loan from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) from France and will supplement ongoing support to the government provided by the World Bank under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Project (GKMA-UD).

The GKMA-UD is benefiting eight urban areas in Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) which include Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe, Kira, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Mukono, Mpigi and Nansana municipalities.

The signing event was presided over by Finance minister Matia and witnessed by Kampala minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda and the state minister of water and environment Beatrice Anywar. 

Also present were technical staff from the Kampala ministry including the Under Secretary of the Ministry, Monica Edemachu.

Arnal Jean-François, the AFD regional director, said the project is a continuation of a long-standing and successful partnership between his country and the Uganda government.

The signing event was presided over by Finance minister Matia and witnessed by Kampala minister Hajjati Minsa Kabanda and the state minister of water and environment Beatrice Anywar. (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

He said they appreciate and value this partnership, hailing water implementing entity National Water and Sewerage Corporation for the hand work that has seen it recognised on the global stage.

He said they have more than 400 million euros (about sh1.6trillion) of projects currently underway in Uganda.

“I am therefore happy for the opportunity to sign this 45 million euro which will benefit an additional population of five million in greater Kampala,” he said, adding that this will be through rehabilitation of the water network in the north of Kampala, including Kawempe.

He said the money will support procurement of 2,600 prepaid meters in informal (poorer neighbourhoods) areas of Kampala, facilitating the achievement of the country's sustainable development goal 6 of ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation for all.

The French ambassador to Uganda Xavier Sticker said the AFD’s involvement in Uganda is aimed at supporting Uganda to achieve her strategic economic goals including the 2040 vision.

“We are proud to support Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and GKMA in its ambitions. This is a loan that will complement the World Bank to support road rehabilitation, drainage, and to support the development of markets, and to provide more services to Kampala,” he said.

Kasaija named the government projects the funding will support as the “Kampala Water Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation" (45 million euros) GKMA-UD (40million euros).

 “On behalf of the government of Uganda I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the continued beneficial and bilateral cooperation between the government of Uganda and the government of France for supporting our development,” he said.