World Bank promises more support for Shs 400bn water projects

KAMPALA –
The World Bank has confirmed it will continue to disburse moneys for the support mission for the Water Development and Management Project (WMDP) after a mid-term review found the performance of projects under the Ministry of Water and Environment and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to be satisfactory.

The bank has so far spent USD 47 million (approx. Shs 160 billion) by May 10, for the project that started in August 2013 and expects to spend another USD 76 million until the project runs out in December 2018.

Some of the NWSC projects funded by the World Bank include Arua and Bushenyi priority works. The WDMP works across the country supporting development and capacity building of two water management zones (Kyoga and Upper Nile). The project also covers priority investments related to the environmental offset that complements the Bujagali Hydropower Project.

Another component of the project supports priority water supply infrastructure and sanitation/sewerage services in the towns and municipalities of Arua, Gulu, Ishaka Bushenyi, Mbale, Rukungiri, Busia, Butaleja-Busolwe, Budaka-Kadama-Tirinyi, Kumi-Nyero-Ngora, Pallisa, Katwe-Kabatoro and Koboko.

The bank in an aide memoire to The Permanent Secretary Minister of Water and Environment David O.O Obong dated June 24, 2016 Indicated that after review of the project, officials had found NWSC performance satisfactory, the basis for the continuation of the funding.

“Funds utilization is accelerating with increased project activities and bottlenecks to implementation are now addressed,” the aide memoire read.
In terms of disbursements as at May 10, 2016 total disbursement to the project amounted to USD 47, 273, 647.06 representing 38.29% of the signed amount with 50% of the project period having elapsed (the project was declared effective in August 2013 and runs to December 2018)

The World Bank also noted that both the ministry of water and NWSC submitted their audited financial statements within the deadline of December 31, 2015. Both reports were unqualified and represented good financial management.
The mission which reviewed the performance of World Bank funded projects from May 9-20, 2016 held detailed discussions with each component team focusing on achievements to-date and lessons learned. A stakeholder Workshop was also held and attended by all key stakeholders including district officials, development partners, and line ministries to review the implementation and achievements made.

The project is expected to contribute to high level goals of sustaining natural resources, improving service delivery and increasing economic productivity.
NWSC currently operates in 167 towns and urban centres in Uganda having been in only 24 towns three years ago.