A lack of effective land-use planning has been identified as a major cause of environmental degradation, particularly in water sources.
The issue, coupled with human settlement encroaching on these vital areas, has contributed to water scarcity in many parts of the country.
Human activities, especially agriculture and livestock farming, have further depleted water resources, making it essential for stakeholders to address these challenges to ensure a sustainable water supply for the nation.
At a recent forum held in Morogoro, stakeholders discussed ways to tackle these environmental concerns and promote sustainable water management practices.
The event was attended by various officials, including Kheri Chisute, the Director of Water Quality Services at the Ministry of Water, who represented the Permanent Secretary.
Chisute emphasized that the forum would develop strategies and action plans to address the ongoing issues in the Wami/Ruvu Basin, one of the country’s most important water sources.
Morogoro District Commissioner, Mussa Kilakala, addressed the growing threat posed by human activities near water sources.
He strongly condemned the continued encroachment on these areas and called for citizens to take a more active role in protecting the environment for the sake of the nation’s future.
He urged people to recognize the long-term importance of safeguarding water sources, as they are critical for the country’s development and well-being.
Engineer Elibariki Mmasy, the Director of the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board, also spoke at the forum. He appealed to stakeholders to continue working with the board to protect the water sources from further damage and encroachment.
The Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board, established in 2002, serves six regions, 27 districts, and over 2,670 villages and towns. The board is responsible for managing water resources in the area, contributing 3.31% to the national GDP.
Pamella Temu, Assistant Director of Water Resources at the Ministry of Water, noted that human activities continue to negatively impact water sources, further exacerbating water scarcity issues. She called for collective action to ensure sustainable water resource management, highlighting the critical role of collaboration among all stakeholders in preserving the nation’s water resources for future generations.