Museveni cautions on using lake shores, river banks

KAMPALA- President Yoweri Museveni has said poor farming methods, misuse of lakeshores and river banks are destroying the water bodies in Africa.

Museveni was opening the 20th African Water Association International Congress and Exhibition (AFWA) in Kampala when he said lake shores should be left for vegetation and trees.

He said any cultivation along river banks should be done 50 metres away.

"Preserve the fresh water that we have, clean the water so that it is safe for human consumption, use the cleaned water and increase the amount of water," the President told delegates from more than 50 countries worldwide.

"River Kagera's water is all brown because of too much agriculture which is not well organised. You cannot talk about clean water without talking about the threats," the President said.

The conference, which will run-up to Thursday is being convened under the theme, Breaking new grounds to accelerate access to water and sanitation for all in Africa.

Details in the New Vision tomorrow.