The ambitious Karuma-Gulu Water Project has encountered setbacks following revelations of irregularities in the laying of water pipes between Kamdini and Gulu city. Recent reports indicate that some sections of the pipes exhibit leaks and other irregularities, just 7 kilometers away from the main reservoir in Nora village, Kamdini sub-county, Oyam District.
Walter Komakech, the Social Safeguard Officer representing Dennys NV Uganda, the contracted company responsible for the pipe installation, acknowledged the issues and assured that corrective measures are underway. He emphasized that additional manpower and equipment have been deployed to rectify the deficiencies identified during pressure testing.
“The removal works are essential to ensure quality assurance in our project. These actions are in line with recommendations to uphold standards, which our company is fully capable of meeting,” stated Komakech.
Ivan Tekakwo, the Public Relations Officer of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) based in Gulu, provided reassurance amidst concerns about project delays. He confirmed that despite the necessary corrections, the overall project timeline remains intact. Currently, the project stands at 85% completion, with expectations to conclude by the end of this year.
“In Gulu city, where the demand for water is pressing, phase one of the reservoir construction at Customs Corner has been completed and integrated into NWSC’s network. Mechanical works at the water treatment plant are finalized, with landscaping efforts nearing completion,” Tekakwo affirmed.
Robina Ayamo, a resident of Palenga Town Council in Omoro district and district councillor, expressed urgency for the swift resolution of these issues to avert potential water shortages. She highlighted the community’s reliance on piped water infrastructure over alternative water sources like boreholes, aligning with regional policy objectives.
The Karuma-Gulu Water Project, envisioned to enhance water supply significantly, aims to deliver an additional 10 million litres of water daily upon completion. Planned in three phases, the project’s ultimate goal is to supply up to 30 million litres daily by 2040. The expansive initiative encompasses a 70.5-kilometer pipeline drawing from the River Nile, supported by a water treatment plant in Nora and reservoirs strategically located in Kamdini, Minakulu, Bobi, Palenga, and Koro-Abili.
Government initiatives include contracting Sogea Satom for constructing the Nora village water treatment plant and Dennys NV Uganda for laying pipelines and constructing reservoirs across various locations before culminating at the main reservoir in Gulu city’s Customs Corner.
