NWSC scoops African water utility award
Water and Environment minister Ephraim Kamuntu (L) displays a plaque that National Water and Sewerage Corporation received in recognition of being the best water utility company in Africa. Looking on is Mr Christopher Ebal, the NWSC board chairman. PHOTO BY Stephen Otage
What you need to know:
Citation. NWSC was voted the best water utility in Africa for setting up an external services unit which renders consultancy services and training to other utilities, achievements in infrastructure and service delivery improvement, among others
Kampala.
National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has been voted the 2013/14 best water utility in Africa. This is the second international award the corporation is receiving in less than a month.
Last month, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf handed the corporation the prestigious Water Leaders Award during the global water summit in Paris, France after it was recognised for the difference it is making in the provision of safe water and good sanitation in Uganda through increased service coverage and supply reliability.
According to Mr Sam Apedel, the NWSC public relations manager, the firm was voted the best water utility in Africa because of setting up an external services unit which renders consultancy services and training to other utilities, achievements in infrastructure, services delivery improvement, revenue collection, and helping other utilities apply good practices.
“We are currently offering consultancy services to the Tanzania national electricity corporation on how to manage resources, Trinidad and Tobago, Dar es Salaam Water, Nairobi Water, Hamburg water in German, a number of utilities in India and Nigeria under our external services unit,” he said.
While unveiling the award in Kampala recently, Environment minister Ephraim Kamuntu said the award is a demonstration of a vote of confidence in the water utility proving that government parastatals can deliver their mandate if managed well.
He said: “Avoid being complacent because you are now at the top. I am going to ensure that I support NWSC so that all its bills are paid to increase service delivery.”
According to Mr Silver Mugisha, the managing director, the corporation is committed to doing much more under its 10-year corporate strategic direction.
