Staff of the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board have undergone specialized training on the integration of telemetry and manual monitoring stations into the Aquarius database system, a move aimed at strengthening water resource management through modern information and communication technology (ICT).
The training, held at the board’s offices in Mwanza, brought together technical staff and experts from the Ministry of Water, specifically the Department of Water Resources, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the collection, management and use of water-related data.
Opening the training on behalf of the Board’s Director, Dr Renatus Shinhu, Acting Water Resources Manager Engineer Ogoma Mangasa emphasized the importance of adopting integrated digital systems to enhance the efficiency and reliability of water data management.
He noted that the integration of different monitoring systems will improve the collection, processing and utilisation of water information, enabling authorities to make informed decisions in the management of water resources within the Lake Victoria Basin.
During the training sessions, telemetry monitoring stations were integrated into the Aquarius system through the DEMAS platform, while manual monitoring stations were connected through the WREM system.
The integration allows data from different sources to be stored and analysed within a single digital platform.
Experts involved in the exercise explained that once the integration is completed, the system will support the development of a basin information dashboard that will allow easier monitoring and analysis of various water indicators across the basin.
The dashboard is expected to provide real-time insights into key hydrological information, helping water resource managers to track trends, identify potential challenges and respond more effectively to emerging issues.
In addition, water use permits, wastewater discharge permits and borehole drilling licences that are currently not included in the Majis system will be incorporated into the Aquarius database.
The move aims to ensure that water-related regulatory information is captured within one integrated system.
Officials said the improved system will strengthen oversight of water use activities and enhance transparency in the management of water resources in the basin.
The Lake Victoria Basin Water Board plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating water resources within the basin, which supports millions of people through agriculture, fishing, domestic use and industrial activities.
By strengthening digital data systems and enhancing the technical capacity of its staff, the board expects to improve its ability to manage water resources sustainably while supporting economic and social development in the region.
