World Bank allocates Sh105m for climate resistance projects

 

The World Bank has allocated Sh105 million to aid in the implementation of the Nile co-operation climate resistance projects.

This will be done in all seven East African partner states namely Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Southern Sudan.

Lake Victoria Basin Commission Deputy executive secretary Eng Colletha Ruhamya confirmed the deal.

Ruhamya said the initiative is aimed at improving mechanisms for cooperation on water resources management and development in the Nile Basin.

She added that through the funding, the commission will implement water quality in the Lake Victoria sub-basin, policy harmonization and develop a strategy and action plan.

“We appreciate the great support of the world bank. It is coming at a time when a huge population of people living within the Nile basin are facing major problems. This funding will go a long way in sorting out the existing challenges."

Ruhamya said the activities will be covered in all the seven Nile equatorial lake countries and the East African partner states.

She said the overall objectivity of the activity will be to harmonize and strengthen water quality policies which govern the sub-basin countries.

Ruhamya said the commission is also in discussion with the World Bank on maritime issues and remote sensing for water quality and lake water level monitoring.

“The permanent secretaries from the seven partner states have committed to ensuring that they mobilize resources that will help in the smooth implementation of these projects."

The Nile basin has been facing serious threats among them deforestation, overgrazing and erosion from agriculture.

The sustainability of water supply in the context of increased human population and persistent drought has also been identified as other challenges affecting people living within the basin.

Lake Victoria has also been highly polluted with traces of dangerous minerals.

Already, the commission has produced a consultation plan which has been validated by all the seven East African partner states.

“ As a commission, we are focusing on ensuring that the lake is well conserved by emphasizing the reduction of plastic waste," she said.    BY THE STAR