Water board urges stronger protection of Lake Victoria

GEITA: THE Lake Victoria Water Basin Board (LVWBB) has directed institutions responsible for water services in Geita District to strengthen enforcement of laws protecting water sources, particularly Lake Victoria.

The institutions include the Geita Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (GEUWASA) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), both of which rely heavily on Lake Victoria as their main water source.

Director of the Lake Victoria Water Basin Board Dr Renatus Shino, issued the directive during a recent visit to Geita Region, where he inspected a water project being implemented in Geita Town under the 28 Towns Water Project initiative. Dr Shino emphasized that for water services to remain reliable, water sources must be sustainable.

This requires proper management and strict protection, including controlling illegal activities along the shores of Lake Victoria.

“We have observed that at the water intake points, some people have started farming right next to the water source, which is against the laws governing water source management,” he said.

He reminded that the Water Resources Management Act No. 11 of 2009 prohibits human activities, including farming, within 60 meters of a water source.

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“At the intake point of the 28-Town Water Project, farming activities are still taking place. I urge all individuals involved in such activities to cease immediately,” Dr Shino stated.

He added: “Supervision is continuous, because the responsibility of protecting water sources is enshrined in the Constitution and the law.” Irene Kimario, a member of the Lake Victoria Water Basin Board, said water projects are very costly and therefore require proper management and maintenance in the broader public interest. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Lugomela, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of LVWBB, stressed that protecting water sources will ensure projects effectively address existing challenges.

“Everyone should act as a guardian to ensure adequate security, so that projects are completed on time and citizens can access clean water,” he said. The water project under the 28 Towns Water Project initiative in Geita District, valued at 53.46 million US dollars, is expected to produce 700,000 litres of water and benefit 19 wards upon completion.