By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
As one way of conserving river rwizi in Mbarara, UNHCR has today joined efforts of other stakeholders to plant Bamboo trees along its banks.This was also done in commemoration of the world refugee day that took place yesterday. This comes a month after river Rwizi was was affected by floods bursting it’s banks and claiming some lives in Mbarara.
While launching the tree planting and cleaning exercise in the New Village Kashanyarazi, Paul Ali-Pauni Shelubale, the UNHCR head of Mbarara UNHCR sub-office challenged leaders in Mbarara city and all districts where the river goes through to continuously sensitize people on how to litter the garbage especially polyethene and all plastic waste.
The Chairperson local council Kanshanyarazi cell Semuju John expressed his worry for the continued reduction of water levels of River Rwizi which he said may lead to water shortage in Mbarara in the near future.
The Mbarara city Environment officer Nuwagaba David Sancho disclosed that the city working with partners have already planned to have the wetlands and other catchments that were degraded restored especially by planting wetland friendly trees like bamboo and herbal plants.
He also urged the public to embrace environmentally friendly practices such as waste segregation and proper disposal.
The bamboo trees, which are known for their strong root system, will not only help in stabilizing the river banks, but also contribute to reducing soil erosion and flooding.
The UNHCR, together with other stakeholders, will continue to work towards the preservation and conservation of River Rwizi, as well as promoting environmental sustainability in the communities around it.
Sulaiman Miiro, a member of Abahumuza Development Group incharge of Projects & Stakeholder Engagement. has called upon all the people in Mbarara and the neighborhood that benefit from river Rwizi to join the effort to conserve river Rwizi.
Abahumuza championed the campaign last year dubbed save River Rwizi. This was done by holding a marathon that was aimed at raising awareness about environmental degredation. Sulaiman said from the funds raised they managed to put up six waste bunkers in areas of; Koranorya, Kizungu, City Council, Kasanyarazi and Rufura in Ruti. One waste Bunker has a storage capacity of 75kgs and is emptied minimumly 3 times in a year(quarterly)
Sulaiman called upon all people of good will to join them for this year’s marathon that will take place on 30th July aimed at constructing more waste bunkers. He said that if these waste bunkers are put to good use ,they will achieve their target of saving river Rwizi.
