Attempts by environmentalists to save River Mpanga from pollution have yielded no fruits, despite billions of money injected into restoration measures.
Several trees that were planted near the river banks along the Fort Portal-Kamwenge road have also been cut and Fort Portal town, where a section of the river flows, the stream is running dry and losing its colour.
Martin Watsisi, the International Water and Sanitation Centre Fort Portal Branch Manager says that they annually spend at least 20 Million shillings to support activities intended to save River Mpanga but the sensitization campaigns to save the water body have yielded too little. Mr. Martin speaking…….
Dr. Brian Emmanuel Guma, the team leader for the Albert Management Water Zone in the Ministry of Water says the Ministry came up with River Mpanga Catchment Management Plan at 30 Billion Shillings for the restoration campaign.
According to Brian, despite the funds put in the plan, they don’t see any improvement in the protection of the river though the ministry is doing everything possible to regulate human activities along the river banks to save the water body. Dr. Brian speaking……
Edson Asaba Ruyonga the Fort Portal City Mayor says the city is considering evicting all the washing bays along the river banks to reduce the pollution levels. END
