|
Fears raised over continuity of Kyarano dam
2006-11-07 10:09:38
By Guardian Reporter
Large water consumption by Buhemba Gold Mine from Kyarano dam in Butiama village has raised concern from environmentalists who are worried that some 500 ha farms under irrigation might be forced to go under.
A team of journalists who recently visited the home village of the founding father of the nation, led by Musoma-rural legislator Nimrod Mkono, discovered that a substantial amount of water was being consumed by the gold mine, threatening the sustainability of thousands of farmers in the villages.
Villagers’ outcry on the matter is believed to have reached respective ministries- Water and Energy and Minerals, earlier, then under Stephen Wasira and Dr Ibrahim Msabaha respectively.
No action has been taken to rectify the situation.
A team of reports found that if not checked, increasing consumption of water from the dam would force the farmers to close shop due to lack of enough water for cultivation.
The team also discovered that about 200 ha that the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere left behind had been invaded by some farmers.
Commenting on the situation, Mkono warned that if the dam would be left to dry, it would definitely affect various development projects, including the construction of a university in Butiama.
He added that the drying of the dam would negatively impact on thousands of peoples’ lives, as many of them, particularly those employed in the irrigation scheme.
Mkono said the Buhemba gold mine should stop drawing water from the dam and spare it only for domestic and other related use.
He said the mine should look for an alternative source of water for its activities, particularly Lake Victoria through partnerships with Musoma District Council in its water project for Mgango-Kiabakari to Butiama.
|
