Water scarcity has long been a pressing issue in Uganda’s Isingiro District, particularly in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements. With over 132,000 refugees in the region and a dwindling supply of clean water, the situation has been grim. However, the Kagera Water Project—a €73 million initiative funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)—promises to change this narrative.
Addressing a Critical Need
For years, residents of Isingiro have endured unreliable access to safe drinking water, with supply coverage lingering at a meager 43%. The influx of refugees has further strained existing resources, creating a dire humanitarian situation. Many families have had to travel long distances or resort to purchasing water at exploitative prices, while the risk of waterborne diseases looms over the settlements. This project is a much-needed intervention that aims to secure a stable and sustainable water supply.
A Closer Look at the Project
The Kagera Water Project is a comprehensive undertaking that includes:
- Water Intake and Treatment: A facility on the Kagera River in Kikagate, Isingiro District, capable of producing 30,000 cubic meters of clean drinking water per day.
- Distribution Network: 62 kilometers of pipelines to efficiently deliver water to both refugee settlements and host communities.
- Irrigation Support: An additional 70,000 cubic meters of water allocated daily to bolster agricultural activities and improve food security.
This ambitious project is spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, with construction handled by SOGEA SATOM Uganda in partnership with Vinci Construction Grand Projects.
Transforming Lives
Upon completion, the project will provide clean water to approximately 350,000 people, including 132,000 refugees and 218,000 local residents. This is a game-changer for the Nakivale and Oruchinga settlements, where residents have long struggled with severe water shortages.
The impact extends beyond basic sustenance. Reliable access to water will mitigate the risk of cholera and other waterborne illnesses, reduce the burden on women and children who spend hours fetching water, and enhance agricultural productivity. In short, it will significantly improve the quality of life for thousands.
Progress and Future Outlook
As of the latest reports, the project was expected to be completed by August 2024. However, recent audit queries regarding expenditure on the project, as highlighted in the Auditor General’s report for the 2023-2024 period, may affect the timeline. These financial concerns are being reviewed, and stakeholders are keen to ensure that the project remains on track to deliver its intended benefits.
For the refugees in Nakivale—one of Africa’s oldest refugee settlements—this project is more than just infrastructure; it’s a beacon of hope. Water scarcity has been a source of despair for decades, but with the Kagera Water Project, a future with secure, clean, and accessible water is finally within reach.
As Uganda continues to host one of the largest refugee populations in the world, investments like these are not just necessary—they are essential for fostering resilience, dignity, and long-term stability for both refugees and their host communities.
