Hassan Magulumali
The Wami Ruvu Basin Water Board is taking precautionary measures to minimise the potential impact of heavy El Niño rainfall, including flooding and damage to riverbanks that could threaten nearby communities.
Omary Kizulwa, a Groundwater Specialist at the Wami Ruvu Basin Water Board, said assessments had been conducted along two major rivers to identify vulnerable areas where rising water levels could cause flooding in residential neighbourhoods.
He said the board had started clearing identified areas and repairing riverbanks to improve water flow and reduce the risk of rivers overflowing into nearby settlements.
“We have already conducted assessments and identified areas that could cause problems when the rains arrive, particularly where riverbanks could be damaged and water could flow into people’s homes. We have started clearing all the identified areas and repairing the riverbanks to ensure water flows smoothly along its natural course,” Kizulwa said.
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The measures are aimed at improving the capacity of rivers to accommodate increased water volumes during periods of heavy rainfall while reducing the potential damage to homes and surrounding infrastructure.
Flooding can cause significant disruption to communities, including damage to property, infrastructure and livelihoods. Early identification of vulnerable areas and proper maintenance of river channels are therefore important in reducing the risks associated with heavy rainfall.
The ongoing assessment and rehabilitation work form part of the board’s efforts to prepare for the anticipated El Niño-related rains and protect communities living near river systems within the Wami Ruvu Basin.
The board’s interventions are expected to help improve river flow and reduce the likelihood of flooding in identified high-risk areas as preparations for the rainy season continue.
