Lake Tanganyika Authority Approves Measures to Combat Rising Water Levels

In a bid to mitigate the adverse effects of rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika, the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) has approved a series of measures aimed at protecting riparian communities. The decision was announced by the LTA Conference of Ministers Chairperson, Mike Elton Mposha, following a meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The approved measures include the establishment of early warning systems to alert communities to potential flooding, the construction of a dam on the Lukuga River to regulate water levels, and the development of an emergency plan to respond to disasters. Additionally, the LTA will conduct feasibility studies to assess the possibility of dredging the Lukuga River and mapping sensitive areas prone to flooding and drought.

Mposha emphasized the urgency of addressing the rising water levels, which have had a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of people living around the lake. “The floods have caused displacement, health risks, and economic losses for communities in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia,” he said.

The LTA, a regional body comprising the four countries that share Lake Tanganyika, has also committed to promoting sustainable land use practices, restoring degraded areas, and harmonizing legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure effective management of the lake’s resources.

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the LTA’s efforts to protect Lake Tanganyika and its communities are crucial for regional stability and sustainable development.