TZ gets eight hydrological stations for water monitoring

DODOMA: IN a major step towards sustainable water resource management, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has officially handed over eight state-of-the-art hydrological monitoring stations to Tanzania.

These stations will be vital in monitoring and collecting data on water levels, flow rates and other essential parametres, enhancing the country’s water management practices.

The Nile Basin Regional Hydrological Monitoring System aims to strengthen regional hydrological monitoring efforts and promote collaborative data generation across the basin.

This initiative is designed to support sustainable water resource management in the Nile Basin countries. The newly installed stations are strategically located at key sites, including the Mara River at Kogatende, Mara River at Nyansurura, Grumeti River at M Bridge and Mbalageti River at Ndabaka.

Other stations have been placed at Ruvuvu River at Kasharazi, Kagera River at Rusumo Falls, Kagera River at Kyaka Ferry and Simiyu River at Lumeji. During the handover ceremony in Dodoma recently, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri expressed the government’s gratitude for the successful collaboration between the Ministry of Water and the NBI.

“This partnership has been instrumental in improving water management practices and fostering stronger relationships among the Nile Basin member states,” she said.

The regional hydrological monitoring system consists of 43 upgraded stations and a data management system that spans nine Nile Basin countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Eng Waziri acknowledged the vital role of the NBI in addressing regional water challenges through collaborative projects.

“The completion of this project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved,” she added, thanking NBI Executive Director Dr Florence Adongo and her team for their unwavering commitment to effective water resource management.

As part of the larger 43-station network, Tanzania’s new stations will play a crucial role in evaluating and quantifying water resources across the Nile Basin.

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The data gathered will assist in the strategic allocation of water for various competing interests, such as industry, agriculture, energy, domestic use and environmental conservation.

The stations will also support flood and drought monitoring, offering early warning information to improve disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The stations will also monitor water quality to address pollution issues within the Nile Basin.

Eng Waziri emphasised the importance of maintaining the newly installed stations. She instructed Director of the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board (LVBWB), Mr Renatus Shinhu to ensure the facilities are properly maintained and utilised to meet their objectives.

“The sustainability of these projects depends on our commitment to their upkeep and responsible management of our water resources,” she said.

“Let us all work together in cooperation, accountability and innovation to enhance our water management systems for the benefit of our communities and future generations.”

Dr Florence Adongo, NBI Executive Director, highlighted the capabilities of the hydromet system, which collects real-time data from the 43 upgraded stations and transmits it to NBI offices.

“Although each country operates its own station, the goal is to ensure continuous data sharing among member states,” she explained.

“Through peer-to-peer learning, trust and confidence are built, which enhances cooperation under NBI protocols.”

Dr Adongo also pointed to successful transboundary projects under the NBI, such as the Rusumo Hydropower Project, which involves Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.

“This project exemplifies regional collaboration. Over the past year, Tanzania’s national grid has gained an additional 27 megawatts of power, benefiting both local communities and various sectors of the economy,” she said.

The handover of all eight stations to the government took place on March 4, 2025, at the Kyaka Ferry hydrological station. The project was funded through joint efforts by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), addressing the urgent need for real-time data and information to ensure sustainable water manageme