The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) is moving closer to a major boost in water supply in eastern Uganda following significant progress on improvement works at the Awoja Water Treatment Plant. The project is expected to increase daily water production from 7 million litres to 10 million litres, strengthening access to safe and reliable water for thousands of residents in Soroti City and neighbouring communities.
The ongoing improvements are designed to address growing demand for water across Soroti, Kalaki, Kaberamaido and Amuria districts. Underserved communities, including Greater Gweri, are also expected to benefit from expanded distribution networks aimed at bringing clean water closer to households, businesses and public institutions.One of the key achievements is the completion of a 700-metre second raw water pipeline measuring 14 inches in diameter. The additional pipeline is expected to improve the volume of raw water reaching the treatment plant, with 65 of the 74 supporting pedestals already constructed to reinforce the infrastructure.
At the treatment facility, three major units have been completed and are fully operational. These include a 454.5-cubic-metre clarifier, an 18-square-metre rapid filter and a 34.65-cubic-metre flocculator. The new facilities have been connected to the existing treatment system, creating the foundation for increased production once the entire project is commissioned.Improvements have also been made to the water intake and pumping infrastructure. A new DN300 suction line has been installed, while all three high-lift pumps are in place. Installation of three additional low-lift submersible pumps is expected to be completed by the end of October 2026, further strengthening the plant’s capacity to move water through the supply system.The project has also recorded substantial progress on the transmission network, with the entire 13.5-kilometre DN300 transmission main laid. Anchoring works for the DN300 transmission main and DN350 distribution line at Opiyai Rock have also been completed, securing the pipelines along the rocky terrain and supporting the safe movement of water to distribution points.
Meanwhile, the expansion of local distribution networks is extending water infrastructure into several communities. The works include 5.3 kilometres of three-inch pipeline in Aukot Sub-county, three kilometres at Asukut Trading Centre in Awalwal Sub-county, and 19 kilometres of six-inch main pipeline in Awalwal and surrounding areas. Additional installations cover five kilometres in Takaramiam, four kilometres in Omugenya, six kilometres serving Takaramiam and Damasco, and 2.5 kilometres in Damasco.
The remaining distribution works are targeted for completion by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.Once fully commissioned, the upgraded Awoja Water Treatment Plant is expected to deliver an additional three million litres of water daily, improve the reliability of supply and reduce the distances residents travel to access clean water. The expanded infrastructure is also expected to support public health, economic activities and population growth across Soroti City and neighbouring districts, marking an important step towards meeting the region’s rising water needs. @NWSCMD
