By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park on Saturday, 11th July, 2026 launched a free water project worth over 90 million shillings (23,000 USD) for residents of Doko industrial City division in Mbale city, as part of efforts to address the long-standing challenge of access to clean and affordable water in the area.
The project contains an underground treated water which is going to be pumped by electricity to over 400 homesteads neighboring the Industrial park.
Speaking during the launch, Michael Hwang, General Manager of the Industrial Park, said the company was committed to giving back to communities that have continuously supported its operations.
Hwang adds that they came up with this idea after getting information that majority of people neighboring the industrial park can’t afford tap water.
He noted that access to clean and affordable water had remained one of the biggest challenges facing Doko residents, forcing many families to spend significant amounts of money on water daily.
“Water is life. We listened to the concerns of the community and realized that many households were struggling to access clean water. As a responsible investor, we decided to establish this free water project through underground water extraction so that residents can have access to a reliable and safe source of water. This is our way of appreciating the people who have welcomed and supported us over the years,” Hwang said.
He emphasized that development should not only be measured by factories and production lines, but also by the positive impact created in surrounding communities.
Mbale City Resident City Commissioner, George William Wopuwa, who presided over the launch commended the Industrial Park management for demonstrating genuine commitment to community development.
“What Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has done today is a practical example of responsible investment. The people of Doko have for years needed such interventions. This water project will improve sanitation and household welfare, while the market and dustbins will strengthen business and environmental management,” he said.
The RCC urged residents to protect the water project and guard against vandalism.
“These facilities belong to you, so protect them, maintain them, and ensure they serve generations to come. Development succeeds when communities take ownership of projects intended for their benefit,” he emphasized.
Mbale City Mayor, Joyce Kidulu Matuka, also praised the Industrial Park for demonstrating love and concern for the people through tangible actions.
“The image being portrayed by Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is one of compassion, partnership, and development. This is the kind of investment that communities appreciate because it directly impacts people’s lives,” she said.
The mayor urged residents to utilize the water source responsibly and maintain cleanliness across the city.
“Access to clean water improves health, saves time and increases productivity. Families will now spend less money on water and more resources on development activities. This project is therefore an investment in the economic growth of our community,” she noted.
“The combination of clean water, a modern market and improved sanitation creates the foundation for sustainable urban development,” Matuka said.
At the same function, the industrial park donated dustbins to people neighboring the industrial park to help them in dumping their rubbish to improve on hygiene.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their happiness with water the project saying they have been facing challenges of on and off National Water and Sewerage Cooperation adding that some time they can take like a week without water.
