 Committee
concerned about environmental destruction
by P.A. Lyatuu
The Arusha municipality
environment committee under the chairmanship of the Arusha District
Commissioner, Mr. Fulgence Saria last week made a tour of the municipality to
identify and assess some of the available water springs, catchment areas and
other environmental issues.
The drought which had hit
many parts of the country thus affecting water in rivers, a resource that is
crucial in electricity production and domestic consumption, prompted a national
outcry and an urge to conserve water sources.
Several springs known to
have existed in Arusha only about a decade ago, have been destroyed through
human activities.
Although the law says
that no human activities should be performed within a radius of 30 metres from a
water springs or 30 metres on each side of a river bank, people have cut down
trees and constructed houses in the prohibited areas.
Arusha is not an
exception to this practice hence many springs and rivers that existed are now
extinct.
The committee visited
Ngarenaro water source together with the Ngarenaro river where pollution was
very vivid. From Ngarenaro river, the committee proceeded to Ngonyongo spring at
Majengo Juu, Elerai ward which is yet to dry up.
The spring was however
saved from pollution by constructing a water collection reservoir and placing
manual water pumps to enable residents draw water without a possibility of
pollution.
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