Government in joint drive to save River Mpanga

Kabarole- Government has teamed up with civil society to save River Mpanga from degradation.

The Ministry of Water and Environment, in partnership with the Natural Resources Defence Initiatives and PROTOS, has prepared the River Mpanga catchment management plan.

Speaking during the launch of the programme in Kabarole District on Monday, PROTOS executive director Lieven Peeters said River Mpanga is a source of drinking water for several communities.

He added that the river should be safeguarded against pollution.

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Fort Portal branch manager, Mr Denis Muramuzi, said if pollution of the river is not stopped, it could lead to rise in tap water costs because more chemicals are required to purify polluted water, thus increasing water purification costs.

River Mpanga flows from the Rwenzori Mountains and traverses the districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Kamwenge and then pours its water into Lake George.

Several trees that were planted near the river banks have been cut down, leading to silting of the river due to soil erosion.

Some communities have cultivated crops too close to the river banks, causing silting of the river.

Washing bays have been established too close to the river banks, hence oils from vehicles pour into the river water, contaminating it.

At Mpanga Market, the toilets that are being used by traders have been constructed along the river and human excreta is discharged into the river.

The River Mpanga management plan aims at creating public awareness on the importance of the river.

According to the Natural Resources Defence Initiatives team leader, Mr Edgar Muganzi, the plan involves sensitising communities, regulating washing bays and demarcating the buffer zones and planting trees along the river banks to prevent soil erosion.

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