Water and Sanitation Development Facility - Central(WSDF-C)

A) Key Message from the Team Leader, WSDF–Central

“At WSDF–Central, we are dedicated to accelerating access to safe water and sustainable sanitation services across small towns and rural growth centres in our region. Guided by national development priorities and community needs, we design and implement water supply and sanitation projects that improve public health, enhance economic productivity, and protect the environment. We remain committed to transparency, innovation, climate resilience, and stakeholder engagement as we work towards universal access to water and sanitation in Uganda.”

B) Mandate, Objectives, Vision & Mission of WSDF–Central

Mandate

To plan, design, construct, and support the operation of water supply and sanitation systems for small towns and rural growth centres within the central region of Uganda.

Vision

A region where every person enjoys sustainable access to clean water and improved sanitation services.

Mission

To deliver high-quality, affordable, and sustainable water and sanitation services through engineering excellence, environmental protection, community participation, and partnerships with local governments and stakeholders.

Core Objectives

1. To increase access to safe, reliable, and affordable water services.

2. To expand and manage sustainable sanitation and fecal sludge management systems.

3. To strengthen environmental and social safeguards in all project activities.

4. To ensure functionality and sustainability of completed water and sanitation facilities.

5. To build the capacity of local governments and community stakeholders.

6. To support climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure development.

7. To monitor and supervise construction works for quality assurance.

C) Information About Projects (Running and Concluded)

1. Ongoing Projects

WSDF–Central is currently implementing a wide range of water and sanitation projects including:

Water Supply System Projects

• Construction and upgrading of piped water systems in selected small towns and rural growth centres.

• Expansion of treatment plants, water reservoirs, distribution networks, and pumping stations.

• Integration of climate-resilient and energy-efficient technologies such as solar-powered pumping.

Sanitation Improvement Projects

• Development and construction of fecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs).

• Construction of public sanitation facilities in markets, landing sites, town centres, and institutions.

• Strengthening of fecal sludge management systems (collection, transport, disposal).

Environmental and Social Safeguards

• ESIA preparation and monitoring for all infrastructure projects.

• Environmental compliance monitoring and reporting.

• Community engagement, compensation support, and grievance management.

Capacity-Building Initiatives

• Training of LGs, Water Boards, sanitation workers, and pit emptiers.

• Project sustainability and operations support to Water Supply and Sanitation Boards (WSSBs).

2. Completed/Concluded Projects

• Successful construction of piped water supply systems for multiple small towns across the region.

• Commissioning of newly constructed public toilets and sanitation facilities.

• Completion of sanitation master plans and wastewater management strategies.

• Completion of ESIAs, RAPs, and environmental audits for various water and sanitation schemes.

• Handing-over of completed schemes to Local Governments and WSSBs for operation and maintenance.

D) Studies Conducted

WSDF–Central has undertaken multiple technical and environmental studies to support planning and decision-making:

• Feasibility studies for water supply and sanitation projects.

• Water source identification, hydrogeological investigations, and water quality analyses.

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs).

• Environmental audits for completed systems.

• Sanitation needs assessments and sanitation master plans.

• Climate risk and vulnerability assessments for water and sanitation infrastructure.

• Sewerage and drainage assessments for urbanizing towns.

• Cost–benefit analyses and sustainability assessments for new systems.

E) Services Offered by WSDF–Central

1. Design and construction of water supply systems for small towns and growth centres.

2. Sanitation planning, technology selection, and infrastructure development including FSTPs.

3. Environmental and social safeguards management, including ESIA development and monitoring.

4. Technical support to Local Governments on water and sanitation operations and maintenance.

5. Capacity building for town councils, water boards, and private operators.

6. Community mobilisation and behaviour change communication for sanitation and hygiene.

7. Supervision and quality assurance for all construction works under WSDF–Central.

8. Support to Water Supply and Sanitation Boards (WSSBs) for governance and management.

9. Collaboration with NEMA, NWSC, and NGOs on environmental and sanitation interventions.

F) Events (Occurred, Ongoing, and Upcoming)

Past Events

• Commissioning ceremonies for newly constructed water supply schemes.

• Regional stakeholder consultations on sanitation planning.

• Environmental and social safeguards training for district officers.

• Training of pit emptiers and sanitation operators.

Ongoing Events

• Community sensitization meetings on sanitation and hygiene.

• Environmental monitoring visits to active construction sites.

• Project supervision meetings with contractors and consultants.

• Stakeholder coordination: LGs, NWSC, MWE, and development partners.

Upcoming Events

• Launch of new water and sanitation schemes under the next implementation phase.

• Dissemination of completed studies (ESIAs, audits, sanitation plans).

• Regional capacity-building workshops on climate-resilient WASH services.

• Stakeholder review meetings for new pipeline projects.

G) Opportunities (Bids, Tenders, Jobs, etc.)

WSDF–Central periodically offers opportunities such as:

• Procurement opportunities for construction firms and consultants.

• Bids for supply of materials, equipment, and services.

• Consultancy opportunities for ESIA, design reviews, audits, and supervision.

• Job vacancies under various WSDF–Central programs (when advertised).

• Training and partnership opportunities for private sector sanitation operators.

• Community contracts for hygiene promotion and minor maintenance works.