The government has intensified efforts to combat invasive weeds in Lake Victoria, with more than 10,000 tonnes of the plants already cleared from affected areas.
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni, said laboratory investigations are underway to identify biological agents that can effectively suppress the weed, known locally as gugumaji.
Speaking during his visit to Kigongo–Busisi in Mwanza Region, one of the hardest-hit areas, the minister said the research at the Kibaha laboratory in Coast Region builds on a recent study tour to Uganda, where Tanzanian experts learnt about successful biological control methods.
“This research is vital because it will enable us to use scientific approaches to eradicate the weeds and prevent their impacts, not only in Lake Victoria but also in other water bodies across the country,” he said.
Mr Masauni commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for directing swift action through the Prime Minister, who coordinated all relevant sectors.
This, he noted, led to the formation of a joint technical team that worked closely with regional and district leaders, helping to significantly reduce the spread of the invasive species.
He added that part of the government’s allocation is being used to procure specialized machines for weed removal.
“Instead of hiring equipment and spending heavily on fuel and maintenance, the government is now in the final stages of purchasing dedicated machinery for this task,” Mr Masauni said.
Sengerema District Commissioner Senyi Ngaga welcomed the intervention, noting that transport activities in the area had been heavily disrupted. He urged the government to fast-track the procurement of modern machines to minimise future risks to transport, fishing and tourism.
National Environment Management Council (NEMC) Manager, Jerome Kayombo, said Lake Victoria is currently battling three types of invasive plants Salvinia molesta, water hyacinth and indigenous weeds.
“Ongoing insect breeding in the laboratory is expected to deliver positive outcomes. Once results are confirmed, communities around the lake will be trained to reproduce the insects and release them into affected areas,” Mr Kayombo said.
