The University Management has funded renovation works to the tune of UGX.100million to ensure sustained supply of water to the Makerere University community.

The renovation of the two Main Water Reservoirs with each having a capacity of 170,000litres provides a total of 340,000litres thus increasing the supply of water at the Main Campus by 30%.

The Contractor, Civicon Ltd, started the renovation works on 24th September 2012 and completed the works on 16th November 2012. The University’s Estates and Works Department supervised the work.

“Prior to this renovation, the available water from the tanks to Makerere University was 900,000litres leading to unstable water supply in different units. With the renovation, we have an additional 340,000litres thus providing a total of  1,240,000litres of water to the Main Campus,” explained, the Director Estates and Works Department, at the handover of the completed water tanks held on Wednesday 28th November 2012 at the Observatory Hill.

The renovation works involved dismantling of the existing pressed steel tanks to select reusable materials; replacement of defective plates; supply and fix bolts, mild steel angle bars, brackets, new strip jointing material and doing the necessary jointing to erect the tanks; replacement of internal bracings and ladders and connection of the water supply system; disinfection of the tank and calibration of the level marker; and painting of the internal and external surfaces with approved paint.

Handing-over the completed water tanks, Mr. Patil representing the  Contractor, Civicon Ltd said:  “I am happy to inform the Makerere University Management that the outputs are two complete Braithwaite tanks each of 180 cubic metres capacity with new internal steel bracings, brackets, ladders and calibrated level marker well painted both internally and externally. As Civicon Ltd, total quality management is our policy and therefore we have delivered high quality works and we thank the University Management for the cooperation and good supervision during the entire project.”

Mr. Patil from Civicon Ltd then handed over the site at the Observatory Hill and the completed water tanks to  the University Management represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration),Professor Robert Ikoja-Odong.

On behalf of the University Management, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Robert Ikoja-Odong said, “I thank the Contractor for completing the renovation works in the specified contract time.  With this handover of two renovated water tanks, the University community is now assured of more reliable water supply. We have used money internally generated by the University to fund the renovation works and increase water supply.  This facility which is to benefit each and every one of us is testimony that the University Management is putting the money to worthwhile causes.”

“With this renovation of the Main Water Reservoirs at the Observatory Hill, the student’s slogan-we want water will be history.  With more water, we shall be able to scale up the level of cleanliness and hygiene at the Main Campus,” said Ms Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University.