Journalists have been challenged to investigate and expose weaknesses in flood preparedness before El Nino-related heavy rains arrive, with blocked drains, construction on waterways and poor drainage systems already putting communities at risk.
The call was made by the director of the Media Aid for Marginalised Communities (MAIPAC), Mussa Juma, who said journalists should focus on problems that can be addressed now rather than wait to report the consequences of flooding.
Juma said reporting should go beyond official statements and identify specific gaps that could worsen the impact of heavy rains in towns and rural communities.
“There are areas in our towns where drainage systems remain blocked. In some places, permits have been issued for houses or business premises to be built along waterways. We should report these issues now so the Government and other stakeholders can take action,” he said.
He also called for greater scrutiny of ongoing road and infrastructure projects, particularly where drainage systems could channel rainwater into residential areas.
“Where road construction and other projects are under way and water is still being directed into people’s homes, we should report it now and push contractors to improve drainage systems rather than waiting for disasters to happen,” Juma said.
His remarks come amid warnings of the possibility of heavy El Nino-related rains in parts of Tanzania from next month, raising concerns about flooding and damage to homes, roads and other infrastructure.
Juma, who is also national chairman of the Journalists Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA), urged journalists to use investigative reporting to examine the causes of recurring conflicts between farmers, pastoralists and conservation authorities.
He said the conflicts, which have in some cases resulted in deaths, required sustained reporting to establish the underlying causes and identify possible solutions.
The director of projects and operations at the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), lawyer Halima Sonda, urged journalists who attended the training to use their skills to produce reporting capable of prompting institutional change.
“Go out and produce environmental stories that will drive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and accountability,” Sonda said.
She also reminded journalists to observe media laws and professional ethics while reporting on sensitive environmental and community issues.
The training was organised by MAIPAC in collaboration with THRDC and supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
It brought together 35 journalists from Dodoma, Morogoro, Mbeya, Iringa and Singida.
Similar training has already been conducted for journalists from the Northern and Lake zones, while programmes are planned for journalists from Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Tanga and Zanzibar.