The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has officially handed over a regional hydrological monitoring station at Kyaka Ferry, located on the Kagera River in Tanzania's Missenyi district.
This development is part of a broader project aimed at improving water resource management in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Michael Kizza, the NBI Deputy Executive Director, highlighted that the Kyaka monitoring station is one of eight upgraded facilities established in collaboration with the Tanzanian Ministry of Water.
"This initiative, supported with $700,000 in funding from Germany and the European Union, is a significant step in improving water management and data sharing within the Nile region," he said.
In addition to the Kyaka Ferry station, other monitoring centers have been set up along various rivers, including the Mara River, Grumeti River, Ruvuvu River (Mumwendo Ferry), Duma River, Mbarageti River, and at Rusumo Falls.
Kizza pointed out that the NBI has developed a regional network of 43 weather monitoring and data management systems to enhance the collection of vital information for managing Nile water resources.
"These systems, strategically located across several Nile Basin countries, will strengthen our ability to respond to climate-related challenges and ensure sustainable water use," he noted.
Colonel (retired) Hamisi Maiga, the Missenyi District Commissioner, representing Kagera Regional Commissioner Hajat Fatma Mwassa, emphasized the project's role in fostering improved information exchange among member states, which is crucial for border cooperation in the Nile Valley.
"This initiative not only strengthens cross-border cooperation but also enhances our capacity to manage floods, droughts, and agricultural development," he stated.
The Kyaka Ferry station plays a vital role in monitoring the flow of the Kagera River, which collects water from Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania before it flows into Lake Victoria.
The facility also evaluates water quality, especially in regions impacted by agricultural activities, like sugar cane cultivation.
This center will provide critical data for experts and officials regarding the volume of water flowing into Lake Victoria from the three contributing countries.
The information gathered will aid in flood management, water resource control, and the establishment of early warning systems, thereby helping communities prepare for climate-related challenges.