Those in the Australian water industry were recently inspired by the stories of international experts, including two tales of remarkable transformation and innovative future vision. Penny Landfield reports.
Twelve years ago the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Uganda had the odds stacked against it.
The changes of delivering crucial services like fresh water and sanitation were hampered by organisational mismanagement and a lack of vision.
NWSC managing director, Dr William Muhairwe, explained to around 600 delegates at the recent Ozwater 10 conference in Brisbane that despite the challenges, the once inefficienct public corporation has been transformed into a thriving, effective business.
Muhairwe said the biggest problem within the organisation when he took over in 1998 "was a lack of efficient competent, business-like people who could run a service-oriented institution".
It had received sufficient investment money from donors but its high overheads and cultural problems meant it was still struggling. MORE>>
Read the full report: Uganda offers refreshing solutions [PDF]
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