African Development Bank approves US$62 million loan for delivery of water and sanitation to Uganda

In a bid to help Uganda improve health and productivity in the country’s major towns, the African Development Bank has approved a US$ 62-million concessional loan to finance its Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP).

The project, to be implemented in 10 towns spread across the country over a five-year period, is designed to enable the governments to achieve sustainable provision of safe water and sanitation for the urban population by 2030. This, in turn, will help improve health and productivity in the targeted towns.

Rapid urbanization spurred by economic growth is exerting pressure on Uganda’s water resources and sanitation facilities. Demand for urban services by far outstrips supply due to high urban population growth currently at 5.4%, and inadequate investments in urban infrastructure and services. For example, the lack of sewered management facilities has led to discharge of untreated effluents creating health hazards like cholera, especially in an informal settlement in main urban centers.

The STWSSP will help to tackle these challenges through its three components:

• Urban Water Supply for the development of water supply systems for the selected towns/districts; and support regional water and sanitation authorities for effective utility management
•  Improved Urban Sanitation and Environmental Management for the development of three regional faecal sludge treatment facilities supported by six desludging units; construction of 40 gender-segregated and disabled-friendly public sanitation facilities; and feasibility designs for climate change resilience
•  Sector Program Support for the regulatory framework and update of tariff policy; preparation of a framework for implementation of bulk water supply; and strengthening sector coordination and monitoring systems

Residents in these10 towns will be the primary beneficiaries: Kyenjojo-Katooke (Kyenjojo District), Nakasongola (Nakasongola District), Kayunga-Busana (Kayunga District), Kamuli (Kamuli District), Kapchworwa (Kapchorwa District), Dokolo (Dokolo District), Bundibugyo (Bundibugyo District) and Buikwe (Buikwe District.

On completion, the project will provide access to water and sanitation to 390,000 people by 2023.

The STWSSP is estimated to cost US$ 69.34 million, of which African Development Fund (ADF), will provide US$ 62.33 million, and US$ 6.94 million counterpart contribution from the Government of Uganda.

Original source: AfDB
Published on 25 June 2018