Uganda Water Small Towns and RGCs

The objective of the project is to increase piped-water access for Ugandans living in selected small towns and RGCs in a sustainable manner through increased participation of local private operators. Achieving this objective should result in: # less time spent collecting water at distant water points, and therefore increasing the possibility that resources are spent on other productive activities # including attending school (many of the water carriers are young girls); # a reduction of disease and death related to water borne illness; # localized and cost effective solutions for system design, including more co-ordination between system design, maintenance and operation; # improved financial viability of the existing water supply systems, including mobilizing alternative sources of finance for the sector; and, # a more transparent use of funds in the water sector. The main development objective of increased access will be measured by the number of increased working connections of a specified quality in the respective small towns and RGCs. More specifically, this will be measured by an increase in the number of yard taps and public water points (or, stand posts). To increase access for the poorest and reduce the cost of water throughout the towns or RGCs, a minimum number of public water points should be constructed and operated. To ensure that the pilot will result in least cost solutions, the project will involve competitive tendering for the private operators that will construct and operate the systems. The extent of success of the competitive tendering will be measured by the resulting lowest subsidy required to deliver the outputs and manage the systems.