‘No more water shortages in the city’

By Josephine Maseruka

Kampala city will have sufficient water supply from today and throughout the Commonwealth Summit period.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Dr. William Muhairwe, the managing director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation, said the Ggaba III water plant launched in April would provide an additional 80,000 cubic meters daily from the original 120,000 cubic meters from Ggaba I and Ggaba II plants.

“I assure Ugandans that we are more than ready for CHOGM. German contractors have just finished repairing all defects on the three water plants at Ggaba so we have surplus water supply.”

He added that three of the contractors would remain in the country to help rectify any defect in case it happened.

Muhairwe explained that Kampala city needs 140,000 cubic meters of water daily but with Ggaba I and Ggaba II water plants each with a daily capacity of 60,000 cubic meters, the city had a shortage of 20,000 cubic meters.

“With the surplus water available, water shortages will be no more. In case of any excess demand, a plant, which will be used as a reserve will be switched on.”

He said the water corporation would inspect all CHOGM hotels to ensure that they conform to the international water supply standards.

“Hotel owners should have refurbished their plumbing systems by October 28. We will test all water supply points even in bedrooms, to avoid a situation where visitors complain of brown water. Those who will not conform will be removed from the CHOGM list.”

State minister for water Maria Mutagamba cautioned people living around the Lake Victoria shores against using the green and blue water for consumption.

“We have discovered that water is not toxic and not a threat to the fish. We, however, appeal to the youth not to boil this water for consumption because when you boil it, the algae changes its form.”