Nalongo Estates paves way for NWSC works at Centenary Park

Nalongo Estates Limited has agreed to pave way for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to enable the demarcation for the National Water Sewerage and Corporation (NWSC) water installations. 

By Tuesday, Nalongo Estates Limited had consented to allow NWSC start works around the Centenary gardens which stretch from Yusuf Lule Road up to the entrance of the park opposite the Electoral Commission.

In an interview with the NWSC director of engineering services, Eng. Alex Gisagara, explained that on Tuesday they had negotiated with Nalongo Estates together with KCCA to allow them undertake works on the sewer line construction. 

"We held a meeting this morning (Tuesday), in the presences of KCCA, Nalongo Estates, and Police, we agreed that works begin for the next two weeks," he said. 

The pipes to be installed by NWSC will run from the Centenary Park gardens where the monument is located near the NWSC water booster and will affect some of the clients operating small business in Centenary Park and the UMEME power station. 

"The pipe will run through the UMEME power up to Airtel, where NWSC will construct a three meter wide pipe," Gisagara said. 

The project is part of the Lake Victoria Nakivubo Program, which will join sewer lines from Kololo, Nakasero, Mulago, and City Centre up to Naguru then connect to Nakivubo Channel. 

KCCA is currently undertaking a number of public works in the city which includes the Kampala Flyover and Road Reconstruction Project, NWSC trunk sewer line and UMEME power substation along the Centenary Park.

KCCA in a press statement issued by executive director Jennifer Musisi, all these projects affect a portion of the land housing Centenary Park. 

Musisi said that the agencies have had several engagements regarding the land take, permits, permissions and authorizations as well as how to accommodate the request for extension of the expired subleases by Nalongo Estates and the extension of the management agreement over Centenary Park. 

In her statement she said following the expiry of the management agreement, KCCA sought to obtain vacant possession of Centenary Park. 

After a series of meetings it was resolved that NWSC is to undertake the sewer line construction on the ground but the continued existence of structures in the way of construction will delay the completion of the works which are slated for July 2017 as well as cost the Government a lot of money in terms of contractor costs and time extension. 

Sarah Kizito, one of the proprietors of Nalongo Estates told New Vision that it is a small portion of the estate which NWSC is taking over adding that for the entire remaining works, KCCA will first relocate the business communities which have been operating in the affected part of the park.