Arusha may face water shortage

ARUSHA, Tanzania - Tanzania’s northern tourist hub is likely to face a water crisis in the next decade if no mitigation measures are taken, experts have warned.

Joe Lao, a hydrologist who works with the Pangani River Basin Management covering northern Tanzania, raised alarm recently.

He said there is a big possibility of the water catchments in Arusha disappearing within 10 years.

Citing rapidly expanding human settlements as the major factor, Lao said this is contrary to water conservation rules and regulations.

The expert said in the past, Arusha relied on rivers and streams flowing from the slopes of Mount Meru, most of which have dried due to Climate Change and other anthropogenic factors.

Ruth Koya, the Managing Director of the Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (AUWSA), admitted that it is a big challenge because the population in Arusha has been rapidly increasing.

“We have started on the challenge, but we need more support from different players, including the Pangani River Basin Management and the Arusha City Council to ensure the earmarked area is preserved for future water use,” she said.

Presently only two rivers, Nduruma and Themi are tapped and supply water to more than half million city dwellers.

Arusha’s position as headquarters of many international organizations, close proximity to Kenya and being a major tourist hub have put higher demands on available water sources.

The city is the main gateway to Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks as well as Ngorongoro Conservation Area which attracts more than 700,000 tourists a year to visit these UNESCO Heritage sites.

According to the findings of a recent hydrological survey carried out in Arusha, the Burka area near the Arusha Airport and Seliani Agricultural Research Institute has enough underground water.

By Elisha Mayallah, Sunday, August 31st, 2014


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