Go slow on lake water release

Sep 22, 2007

The water level on Lake Victoria has risen by more than one metre in recent months as result of the unusually heavy rains.

The water level on Lake Victoria has risen by more than one metre in recent months as result of the unusually heavy rains.

This rise is fortunate for Uganda because it gives hopes that some of the problems that had resulted from the declining water levels on Lake Victoria. In the past five years, the water level dropped by 1.5 metres.

This drop led to reduced electricity generation, causing economic loss and inconvenience to Ugandan residents and industries. The receding of Lake Victoria also affected fisheries exports by limiting the breeding sites of fish.

There were many other direct and indirect effects on the population and business.

Now thanks to the heavy rains, in a matter of months the water level could go back where it was five years ago. This gives hopes that most of the ill effects of the reduced lake water levels may be reversed.

However, it is rare that nature gives human beings a second chance. Ugandans should receive this rare opportunity with both hands. Everything should be done to ensure the lake’s levels do not go down again.

Whereas Uganda needs to generate more electricity, it should be done in a way that does not deplete the lake again. The ministries of energy and water should work out scientific ways of increasing electricity generation without taking compromising the water levels.

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