Construction of a Shs7.3 billion water quality monitoring and management laboratory has officially commenced in Omoro District following the handover of the project site by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Funded by the Government of Uganda with support from the European Commission and the German Government through KfW, the facility will be located in Bobi Sub-county and serve the Lango, Acholi, and West Nile sub-regions.
The project will include a modern water quality laboratory, a centralized warehouse for pipes and other supplies, administrative offices, and a training centre aimed at equipping artisans and plumbers with essential skills. Consulting Engineers Salzgitter will oversee project implementation, while Zhonghao Overseas Construction Company Ltd will carry out the construction works.
Speaking during the site handover on June 5, 2026, Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Alfred Okot Okidi described the project as a major milestone in decentralizing water management services in northern Uganda. He noted that the integrated facility will improve water quality control, logistics management, staff training, and service delivery across the region.
Dr Okidi also commended Omoro District for providing 20 acres of land free of charge, an expansion from the initially allocated eight acres, to accommodate both current and future developments.
Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation officials said the laboratory will ensure that water supplied to communities meets required quality standards. The facility will also enable faster testing of water samples collected from different regions.
Omoro Deputy RDC Geoffrey Akol welcomed the project and urged the contractor to deliver high-quality work within the one-year completion period. Chief Administrative Officer Donato Oola Olam pledged continued administrative support and indicated the district could provide additional land if needed.
Ms Therese Scholl of Consulting Engineers Salzgitter said the project has reached an important implementation stage after a year of preparation and emphasized the need to adhere strictly to contractual requirements.
The contractor has been given 12 months to complete the facility, with regular site inspections and coordination meetings planned to monitor progress.
