Kasese to flood for 2 years - experts
By FELIX BASIIME & THEMBO KAHUNGU MISAIRI
Posted Tuesday, May 13 2014 at 01:00
Posted Tuesday, May 13 2014 at 01:00
KASESE- Government is asking for Shs30 billion
to de-silt river Nyamwamba to stop the bursting of its banks, which has
resulted in floods that have claimed lives and property.
However, experts say this move, may not
comprehensively deal with the problem since there are several other
rivers emanating from the Rwenzori mountain ranges that also burst the
banks not to mention other environmental factors in the region causing
floods.
Kasese District has been hit by floods every year
for the last 5 years leading to loss of lives and property but the
magnitude of the damage caused by the large volumes of water has
increased since May 2013.
Environmental and hydrological experts say that
the floods may be experienced for the next two years or so, a situation
that has been created by climate change. The western region focal person
and public awareness officer for Nema, Mr Jeconious Musingwiire has
warned that the challenges of floods should be expected a little longer.
“The challenges are trans-boundary as some come
from Democratic Republic of Congo as the Rwenzori ranges spread far from
the Uganda border”
Mr Musingwiire lists tree planting, restoration
of degraded sections of bare grounds and critical river line wetlands,
and promotion of soil and water conservation structures in the
agricultural fields as the quickest solution to the dilemma.
He also advises the environmental laws which
regulate an area of 30 metres around the river banks be observed to
allow the stabilisation of the banks.
“To achieve this, we need to bring all
stakeholders on board and allow participatory planning and
implementation especially in the enforcement of laws” observed
Musingwiire.
The Kasese district environment officer, Mr
Augustine Koli said by the time of the new floods, the district was
waiting for the Office of the Prime Minister to fulfill a $10,000 (Shs25
m) pledge to take on disaster risk reduction programmes that include
the river training.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com
accessed on Tuesday 13th May, 2014 from:http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Kasese-to-flood-for-2-years---experts/-/688334/2312512/-/e66vsbz/-/index.html
accessed on Tuesday 13th May, 2014 from:http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Kasese-to-flood-for-2-years---experts/-/688334/2312512/-/e66vsbz/-/index.html
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