Tanzanian VP calls for protection of Lake Victoria water sources

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Xinhua | Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango on Thursday called for the protection of water sources that flow into Lake Victoria, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.

Mpango made the call shortly before he laid the foundation stone for a 24.4-billion-Tanzanian-shilling (about 10.4 million U.S. dollars) project that will draw water from Lake Victoria and supply it to Tinde and Shelui townships in Shinyanga Region.

“A decrease in water levels in Lake Victoria will have dire consequences for humankind,” said Mpango.

He also urged water authorities in the country to come up with strategies aimed at conserving water, including harvesting rainwater for use in times of scarcity.

Covering an area of 68,800 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is shared by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.