NEMC Vigilant To Ensure Construction Of Katumba-Lupaso Road Is Environmentally Friendly

By Valentine Oforo

THE Director General ( DG) of the National Council for Conservation and Environmental Management (NEMC), Dr. Samuel Gwamaka has said that the council will make close supervision of the ongoing construction of Katumba-Lupaso Road in Rungwe district of Mbeya Region to ensure the vital process doesn't affect the environment.

 

 

Dr. Gwamaka unveiled the vital stance when accompanied by the Minister of Construction and Transport, Hon. Innocent Bashungwa (Mb) together with the Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba (Mb) to launch construction of the 35 Kilometers road which is being constructed at the tarmac level.

He observed that the road passes through key water sources and rivers that flow towards Lake Nyasa and therefore it was prudent for the council to ensure that its construction does not affect such potential sources of water which are important for the well-being of humans and animals.

 

Together with that, he also said that many of the areas that the road passes through are close to the Kitulo National Park, the sensitive environmental area which also needs to be protected so that it is not damaged by human activities.

"When it comes to implementation of such road projects that pass through water sources, evaluation of impact on the environment is necessary, especially towards the water sources," he explained.

Dr. Gwamaka detailed that it was why the council has realised the need to ensure the project doesn't not render any negative effect to the potential environmental sources.

And he added: " We will cooperate with our colleagues in the Lake Nyasa Valley to protect the sources, because if  we don't protect them, they will ending up drying and thus propelling to lack of water,”

Dr. Gwamaka insisted that the state-owned environmental watchdog will always stand at the forefront and be more vigilant to ensure implementation of different  road projects across the country does not destroy the environment.

“Our role is to ensure that the Environmental Management Act of 2004 is followed," he expounded.

 

 

He hailed the government for its decision to build the road, saying the development will help facilitate the smooth flow of human and products in the northern highland zone.

He said apart from the importance of transporting crops, it is also important to unite the people of Rungwe and Kyela Districts in Makete District in Njombe region.

However Dr. Gwamaka has urged citizens to take care of water sources by avoiding human activities on those sources, including agricultural activities.