Govt intensifies effort to clear rivers in Mwanza

MWANZA: THE government in collaboration with residents in Mwanza have intensified efforts to clear rivers and drainage systems ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains, in a bid to reduce the risk of flooding across the city.

The clean-up campaign has been ongoing in various parts of the city, including the clearing of the Mirongo River and other flood-prone areas, as authorities step up efforts to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Earlier, the Regional Commissioner, CP Salum Hamduni ordered the immediate clearing of the Mirongo River and clogged drainage channels, warning that accumulated waste and silt could heighten the risk of flooding during the coming rainy season.

CP Hamduni issued the directive during an inspection of Mbugani, Pamba and Mirongo wards to assess implementation of government directives on environmental cleanliness and the condition of river and drainage infrastructure.

At Mlango Mmoja Bridge, he expressed concern over the condition of the Mirongo River, saying the accumulation of refuse and silt could obstruct the flow of water during heavy rains.

“The Mirongo River is filled with refuse and silt; we must ensure the river is cleaned and people must stop dumping waste into it,” CP Hamduni said.

He said some residents who failed to pay for waste collection services had resorted to dumping garbage into the river, warning that the practice could block waterways and expose communities to flooding.

The RC called on residents living along the banks of the Mirongo River to comply with regulations governing settlements along waterways and vacate the areas for safer locations.

He also urged residents to make environmental cleanliness part of their daily lives, saying the responsibility should not be left to the government alone.

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“In short, the state of our environment is unsatisfactory, all citizens must ensure they cooperate with the government in cleaning efforts rather than leaving the entire burden to the government, as it is you who pollute the environment through your daily activities,” he said.

He directed the Mwanza City Director and municipal officials to ensure that the relocation of small-scale traders from areas obstructing drainage channels was conducted peacefully and respectfully.

He cautioned officials against damaging traders’ property or creating unnecessary conflicts during the exercise.

CP Hamduni also criticised public servants who wait for visits by government leaders before responding to citizens’ complaints, saying officials should discharge their responsibilities without waiting for instructions from senior leaders.

“Any public servant unwilling to be accountable should leave and vacate their office,” he said.

During the inspection of Mkuyuni, he ordered traders operating near drainage channels to vacate the sites immediately to allow water to flow freely through the drainage system.

He urged residents and local authorities to work together to keep Mwanza clean and ensure waterways remain unobstructed ahead of the rainy season.

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