By Asiatu Msuya

The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA,) in collaboration with Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board (WRBWB) and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) have planted more than 5,000 trees around Lukulunge river in Morogoro as an initiative to protect and restore critical water catchment areas in Morogoro  which shall improve long-term water availability, and enhance community awareness and participation to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Speaking about the initiative, Wilfred Mwakalosi, on behalf of the EWURA’s Director General, said the campaign’s objectives are to rehabilitate degraded water sources; raise public awareness of the importance of trees in preserving water; foster collaboration for sustainable natural resource management, address the impact of climate change and enhance water security in Morogoro region.

Mwakalosi noted that the move is part of a long-term strategy to preserve and conserve the environment, water sources and ensuring sustainable access to water.

“Morogoro is among the areas that had abundant water sources in the past, but currently, due to environmental degradation and climate change, there are significant changes, thus threatening water accessibility to for its residents,” he explained.

The Morogoro District Forest Service (TFS) Conservator, Stanley Kweka, said forest degradation has contributed to the decrease in water depth in the Mindu Dam, while soil erosion continues to be a major challenge, making tree planting an important solution in the protection of riverbanks that may ensure that water sources remain safe.

Janeth Kisoma, an Environmental and Water User Community Coordination Manager of the the WRBWB, said the Lukulunge River is one of the strategic water sources for the Mindu Dam, which serves more than 75% of the Morogoro Municipality population, therefore called on stakeholders to join efforts in its conservation.