Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is set to introduce over 40 modern public toilets in Kampala city under the Kampala Water-Lake Victoria Sanitation Project (KW-LVWATSAN). The current construction of a state-of-the-art facility at Constitutional Square is part of this initiative, aiming to alleviate pressure on existing facilities and enhance sanitation in the city.
Dorothy Kisaka, KCCA’s executive director, revealed that the new facility at Constitutional Square will not only feature public bathrooms but also include a gym for fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, a cafeteria will provide a space for people to enjoy a cup of coffee while savoring the city’s ambiance.
During a phone interview a local newspaper, Kisaka emphasized the Smart City initiative’s role in transforming Kampala into a more inclusive, sustainable, and efficient urban center. The KW-LVWATSAN project is a collaborative effort with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and development partners.
KCCA has already taken strides in addressing sanitation challenges, constructing 44 inclusive, gender-friendly, and climate-resilient toilet stances. As part of the City Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) program, 53 toilets have been established, significantly reducing the strain on the original 14 public toilets in the city.
The sanitation project aligns with the broader goal of building a smart city, leveraging technology and infrastructure for the wellbeing and development of Kampala. The initiative comes at a time when the city’s informal sector, with over 1.5 million micro-enterprises employing more than 2.5 million people, plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.
The previous challenge of limited public toilets in the central business district, with only 14 available by 1989, has prompted the city’s efforts to expand and modernize sanitation facilities. Ahmed Kaweesi, a pioneer in public toilet management, recalled the conditions of public toilets in 1992, highlighting the significant improvements in sanitation.
President Yoweri Museveni, in 2021, expressed concern over the privatization of public toilet management and pledged to build 300 public toilets in the city, starting with Kawempe Division, which faced challenges with inadequate facilities.
