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Farmers exert more pressure on Mtera Dam
2006-03-02 09:17:49
By Gerald Kitabu, Iringa
Mismanagement of water and increased human activities near water catchments and riverbanks have contributed to decreased water levels in Mtera Dam.
A visit by The Guardian at Usangu wetlands in Mbarali district, the source of Great Ruaha River, found that the area is under pressure from livestock keepers who have relocated to the area in search of pasture and water for their large stocks of animals.
As a result, the river is heavily silted and consequently contributed significantly to the low water level in the dam.
On our visit, we found many herds of cattle grazing along the riverbanks and the area designated as Usangu wetlands.
The regimes of Kimani, Ruaha, Mbarali and Ndembera Rivers and some seasonal rivers such as Mswiswi, Mromboji, Kioga and Kimbi have significantly reduced because of excessive human activities upstream.
Interviewed, Usangu Game Reserve manager Roman Masawe said that, currently there are about 54 active irrigation schemes along Ruaha River that drain into Mtera dam.
’It is true that only a few of the irrigation schemes divert the water back into the main course. Most do not,’ he said.
He said that Mbarali and Kapunga rice farms have each 3,000 hectares, but without proper diversion channels for the water to go back to the river.
’Apart from being polluted with chemicals, most of the water in the irrigation schemes, including those owned by the government, lose water instead of being diverted back to the stream,’ he observed.
Migori Mtera villagers, about 10 kilometres from the dam, said that due to drought, farmers along Ruaha River had invaded the riverbanks for cultivation and fishing and reduced the amount of water that flow into the dam.
CCM village secretary John Nzwaga said that a much is wasted at Pawaga prison farm in Iringa Rural district, where the Great Ruaha forms a confluence with Little Ruaha on their way to Mtera Dam.
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