By An Executive Editor

President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the leadership of National Water and Sewerage Corporation – NWSC for showing that “Government companies can make money”

The President was yesterday officiating at the celebrations to mark 50 years of service by the Corporation.

“I thank the board and management led by Eng Dr Silver Mugisha for developing the capacity of the Corporation. You have shown that government companies can make money,” the President said.

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting NWSC to extend piped, safe, clean water to more households and people across the country.

During the Celebrations, the President launched 50 NWSC delivery projects (virtually) across the country.

Data shows that NWSC has over the years increased water sales.

For instance, the Corporation saw a growth in annual billings raise from Shs 225.9 billion in financial year 2014/15 to Shs 292.3 billion in 2015/16. Also, as an indication that action is being taken on water theft and leakage, the corporation recorded a reduction in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) by 10% to reach 28% down from an average of 34% during the same period. NRW is water that is produced but lost before it reaches the customers’ meter for billing. The reduction in NRW is mainly attributed to the Water Loss Prevention Program that was launched in conjunction with Uganda Police to arrest and shame water thieves.