Experts advise scientific research on Bukoba   frequent floods

EXPERTS have advised   the government to conduct scientific research on frequent floods, which hit Bukoba Municipal causing a big loss of properties and the infrastructures.

Dr Egidius Kamanyi, a Researcher and Sociology Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), explained that conducting   the scientific research will enable the government and other partners to find a lasting solution to the problem.

“Conducting   scientific research will enable the government and other partners to find a lasting solution to this problem,” Dr Kamanyi said.

Kagera Region normally experiences long rains between February and March. However, due to climate change the recent heavy rain accompanied by strong winds pounded Bukoba Municipal causing a big loss. One person was reported to have died while 241 families of about 1,200 individuals were displaced.

Richard Gasper a Ward Councillor for Miembeni said the floods do not only submerge the houses, but they also damage infrastructures, including roads and bridges.

Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) Mr Toba Nguvila, on the other hand, directed the District Disaster Management Committee to assess the magnitude and impact of the strong winds that hit Bukoba Municipal recently.

Equally, he directed councils from Muleba, Bukoba DC, Ngara, Biharamulo, Kyerwa,  Karagwe,  Missenyi and Bukoba MC to ensure that  drainage systems are well preserved to allow  smooth water flow.

He warned people to avoid throwing garbage in drainage infrastructure, ordering residents and relevant authorities to clear banks of the Kanoni River to allow water to flow smoothly.

He also urged people living in flood prone areas to shift to safer areas for their own safety.

Some of the prone areas often affected by floods in Bukoba Municipal include Omukigusha and Kashabo  in Hamugembe Ward, Matopeni, Kashai and Katatolwansi (Kashai Ward),  Nyamkazi and  some parts of Bunena in Miembeni Ward.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Disaster Research in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Disaster Management, Mr Charles Msangi was recently quoted saying that the country has made great strides in dealing with disasters due to improved operational systems through enacting the Disaster Management Act, No 6 of 2022 and its regulations, as well as strengthening early warning systems, strengthening infrastructure, equipment and guidelines   for disaster response and recovery.

“Our country has made progress in implementing the Sendai Strategy by creating an investment environment in reducing disaster risks by preparing the National Disaster Management Strategy (2022-2027) along with national and sectoral guidelines, plans and strategies,” he said.

Elaborating, he said the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the United Nations Food Programme (UNFP) has coordinated the assessment of the capacity of disaster management through a partnership known as the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) which includes 20 United Nations and International Organisations that provide humanitarian services and implement development activities.