OMORO — Construction of a Shs7.3 billion regional water quality laboratory that will monitor the safety of water supplied to millions of people across Northern Uganda is set to begin in Omoro District following the official handover of the project site by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The facility, funded by the Government of Uganda, the German Government and the European Union, is expected to strengthen water quality testing, improve maintenance of water systems and enhance service delivery across the Acholi, Lango and West Nile sub-regions.
The Ministry handed over the site to Zhongao Overseas Construction Company during a ceremony attended by government officials, development partners and local leaders in Omoro District.
The laboratory will be constructed on 12 acres of land donated by the Omoro District Local Government and will serve as a regional hub for water quality testing, storage of water supply materials, technical training and management of water infrastructure.
Speaking during the site handover, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okot Okidi, commended the district leadership for providing land for the project free of charge.
“In today’s Uganda, it is very difficult to get a generous district like Omoro where they give you land free of charge,” Dr Okidi said. “The people of Omoro have demonstrated commitment to development and we are grateful for their support.”
He said the facility would bring essential services closer to communities while stimulating economic activity in the district.
“This facility is going to enhance service delivery because we are now going to be near our infrastructure. We are going to have training facilities, workshops, stores and our team based here. It will be quicker for us to reach our people,” he said.
Dr Okidi also urged communities to protect forests and wetlands, warning that environmental degradation and climate change threaten long-term water security.
“The water towers are actually the forests and the swamps,” he said. “If we look after our environment, the effects of changing weather patterns and temperatures will be less severe.”
He challenged the contractor to complete the project within the agreed 12-month period and deliver work that meets the required standards.
“You willingly submitted your bid and made the promise that you can do this thing in 12 months. We expect quality work delivered on time,” he said.
The project is financed by the German Government through the German Development Bank, KfW Development Bank, with additional support from the European Union and the Government of Uganda.
Engineer Yusuf Lule of the Water and Sanitation Development Facility-North said the laboratory forms part of a broader package of water and sanitation projects being implemented across Northern Uganda.
“This is basically a laboratory that we are going to set up in this region and it will help in carrying out water quality analysis for the entire region of Northern Uganda,” Lule said.
He explained that water samples collected from districts across the region would be tested at the facility before water is supplied to communities.
“We are working hand in hand with the Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation to ensure that we not only construct but also operate and maintain piped water supply systems within the region,” he added.
Lule noted that the ministry is also implementing sanitation projects in schools and climate resilience programmes aimed at improving water supply systems in several districts, including Omoro.
The Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation, which will operate the facility upon completion, described it as a strategic investment that will significantly improve management of water services in the region.
Northern Umbrella Manager Martin Wamalwa said the facility would include a modern water quality laboratory, storage facilities for pipes and maintenance materials, administrative offices and a training centre for water technicians and artisans.
“This is a very important facility in regard to management of water services in this region,” Wamalwa said. “When we have a water quality laboratory here, we can assure people that the water they drink meets the required quality standards.”
He added that the facility would improve response times to water system breakdowns and service disruptions across Northern Uganda.
“Our reaction to services and breakdowns is going to improve because we shall reduce the time we spend responding to those requirements,” he said.
The centre will also serve as a training hub where plumbers, artisans and water system operators from across Northern Uganda will acquire skills needed to manage and maintain water infrastructure.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Geoffrey Akol welcomed the project, describing it as a major investment that would improve water service delivery and spur local development in Omoro District.
Akol urged the contractor to adhere to agreed timelines and maintain high construction standards to ensure value for money.
“We want a facility that meets the required standards and is completed within the stipulated time. Government and development partners have invested heavily in this project, and the people of Omoro expect quality work that will serve the region for many years,” he said.
He added that local leaders would closely monitor implementation to ensure the contractor delivers according to approved specifications and work plans.
“The community has entrusted this land to government for development, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the project is implemented efficiently, transparently and on schedule,” he said.
Representing KfW Development Bank, Therese Scholl emphasised the importance of timely implementation and adherence to environmental and social safeguards throughout construction.
Scholl said the project should be implemented in line with approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment recommendations to ensure surrounding communities and the environment are protected.
“A lot of people have worked to make this possible. We are looking forward to a successful implementation of this contract according to all the requirements in the contract. We wish the contractor a safe, timely and high-quality execution of the project with all the environmental and social standards observed,” she said.
Once completed, the facility will become the first regional centre of its kind in Northern Uganda, strengthening water quality monitoring and supporting the operation and maintenance of water systems serving thousands of households across the Acholi, Lango and West Nile sub-regions.