Q&A:
Johnson
KATEREGGA
Interfacezine: Briefly tell us what the LV-WATSAN project stands for and what it is about?
Johnson Kateregga:
V WATSAN stands for LAKE VICTORIA WATER AND SANITATION Project, Package 1&3, which is
under National Water and Sewerage Corporation, as the client who contracted, Consulting Engineers Salzgitter GmBH (CES) as Design & Construction Supervision consultants and financed by KfW. The purpose is to rehabilitate and optimize the existing water plant in Ggaba through carrying out renovations on the old plant.
The overall project comprises seven construction components:
• Upgrading and rehabilitation of Ggaba I & II Water Treatment Plants
• Laying of Transmission Main DN 700 from GgabaI WTP complex to Namasuba hill with a length of 10.6 km, together with all associated fittings and accessories
• Replacement of a section 600 m of the transmission main to Naguru by DN 500 prone to frequent pipe bursts, together with all associated fittings and accessories
• Removal of two existing steel tanks and construction of new Storage Reservoirs (8,000 m3) on Namasuba hill, with associated inlet and outlet structures
• Wash-out pipeline from Namasuba Reservoir DN 400, length 540 m
• Modification of inlet and outlet pipework and valves at Muyenga Reservoir and all associated works
I am working on the project as Clerk of Works under Interface Consulting Ltd to provide construction supervision services on the transmission mains for this project.
Izine: Are there any perceived impacts to the community?
JK: As we had stated earlier, one of the main impacts of the project is to improve the supply of water within the areas of greater Kampala which include Namasuba, Seguku, Kajjansi, Kyengera. Another perceived impact is the new employment opportunities sprouting up. The community members in these areas where the rehabilitation is taking place have been employed to work in different sectors of the project. Other benefits include; acquisition of skills and provision of finances to those who are involved in different sectors of the project.
Izine: What challenges have you faced? And how have you dealt with them?
JK: The project entails a major rehabilitation process which means additional costs are incurred arising as a result of uncertainty. This has been managed through carrying out risk management and analysis as well as ensuring proper contract management. Another challenge we are facing is the project location. Some times project activities tend to be delayed due to resistance from the community as well as demand for compensation in the areas of operation that have to be addressed. This has been dealt with through social sensitization where we explain to the community the nature of the project so we can work in harmony.
Izine: At what stage is the project at? When do you expect the project to be accomplished?
JK: The project is still at the first phase. The Civil Works for the water treatment & pumping structures sector is at 50%, transmission mains sector is at 75% and the Namasuba reservoir sector is at 70%. The second phase will be laying of distribution network from Namasuba reservoir to the areas of Entebbe road and the project is planned to be accomplished by August, 2016.
Izine: According to your time on the project, what are the significant key take homes?
JK: On a personal basis I have acquired more professional skills & experience in design & construction supervision of water & sanitation projects as well as contracts management.
L
navigating the water capacity equation
"the main impact of the project is to improve on the supply of water within the areas of greater Kampala which include Namasuba, Seguku, Kajjansi, Kyengera"