NWSC MD Seeks Local Pump Manufacturing with Grundfos, Pursues World Bank & Gates Foundation Funding

During separate meetings at the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress in Glasgow, NWSC Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha proposed that Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos collaborate with Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to establish local manufacturing of pumps and essential spare parts. Dr. Mugisha highlighted that NWSC currently faces lengthy delays due to importing pump components, and local production would significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime.

“For sustainability, if I work with you, I should be able to get your parts locally and not endure long waits to get parts from abroad,” Dr. Mugisha stated, envisioning a scenario where NEC-produced spares could serve a wider African market. He also requested Grundfos to assist in designing energy-efficient pumps tailored for the East African region and explore technology like prepaid water meters for Uganda.

Furthermore, Dr. Mugisha sought financial backing from the World Bank for infrastructure expansion, operational and energy efficiency improvements, and sanitation promotion. He emphasized the need for low-cost, long-term financing to replace expensive current options, advocating for flexibility in World Bank funding to allow NWSC to manage its own engineering designs and source cost-effective contractors.

In discussions with the Gates Foundation, Dr. Mugisha requested support for NWSC’s research and development efforts, sanitation projects, the ‘50 Towns Water Supply Improvement Project,’ and preparations for the 2027 IWA Congress. He highlighted NWSC’s robust R&D department as a potential incubator for addressing continental water and sanitation challenges.

Grundfos officials expressed interest in NWSC’s proposals, noting their past collaborations on learning initiatives and pledging to review the manufacturing request. They also highlighted potential financing models based on savings from efficient pumps and the development of ‘intelligent’ systems. The World Bank acknowledged NWSC as a well-performing utility, indicating potential support pending risk assessment, while the Gates Foundation recognized NWSC as a leading utility in Africa and pledged support for the upcoming IWA Congress.

This information was reported by Nile Post.