By
Mutayoba Arbogast
In a
gripping and urgent video that has gone viral, Dr. Deogratius Rweyongeza, now
living in Edmonton, Canada, has raised a red flag about the dire situation
facing Bukoba town,advocating for the construction of levees and flood barriers
to shield essential infrastructure, suggesting relocating new critical
facilities to higher ground.
His impassioned message warns of the severe
flooding crisis threatening the city, exacerbated by rising Lake Victoria
waters and recent devastating floods. Rweyongeza’s call is not merely a plea
for immediate action but a powerful push for transformative change.
If
Rweyongeza’s recommendations are to be been adopted, Bukoba will be on a
different trajectory. Prof. Tibaijuka emphasized the crucial role of
academicians in altering community mindsets and building trust in expert
advice.
Dr
Rweyongeza suggestion is highly supported by Justine Kimodoi who lives in USA,
Bukoba development activist and investiment lobbyist who says that the
expansion of the town to the uphill will attract the coming of industries and
modern buildings to uplift the dwellers' lives, but the rehabilitation of old
buildings in town to be continued.
Implementing Rweyongeza’s strategies—such as
constructing levees and relocating vital infrastructure—could have
significantly mitigated the impacts of flooding. By drawing on the successful
flood management practices of cities like New Orleans and Amsterdam, Bukoba
could have fortified its defenses and safeguarded its future.
The
urgency of the situation calls for prompt, decisive action based on expert
guidance to secure a resilient and protected future for Bukoba. His impassioned
address, which has captivated audiences worldwide, reveals the severe flooding
crisis that threatens the city.
Rweyongeza’s
message comes as a stark reminder of the imminent risks posed by the rising
waters of Lake Victoria and the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard
the town's future. His insights into Bukoba’s vulnerabilities highlight the
town’s precarious position as it faces frequent and devastating floods.
The recent
floods in May 2024 have intensified these concerns, with significant damage
inflicted on key infrastructure and homes. His observations are a call to
action for both local stakeholders and international observers, emphasizing
that the floods are not merely a consequence of heavy rains but also a result
of the rising lake levels and occasional seismic activity.
The city
of Bukoba has long struggled with flooding issues, a problem exacerbated by its
location near Lake Victoria, which has experienced increasing water levels. He
explained, "The rising levels of Lake Victoria, combined with occasional
earthquakes such as the one in 2019, are creating a perfect storm of risks for
Bukoba. The recent flooding has shown just how vulnerable the city is."
Pius
Ngeze, a key figure in understanding Bukoba’s environmental challenges, also
pointed out that the overflow from the Kanoni River has contributed to the
lake’s rising levels, worsening the city’s flood risk. Ngeze’s report
underscores the critical need for effective flood defenses, particularly in
vulnerable areas like downtown Bukoba, where vital infrastructure including
schools, hospitals, and the airport is at risk.
Dr.
Deogratius Rweyongeza, has issued a stark warning through a viral video about
the severe flooding threatening Bukoba. His urgent message highlights the
city's vulnerability due to rising Lake Victoria waters and the recent floods
in May 2024, which have wreaked havoc on homes and infrastructure. Rweyongeza's
call to action underscores the immediate need for flood defenses and strategic
urban planning to protect Bukoba’s future.
The recent
floods have caused significant damage, with critical infrastructure such as
schools, hospitals, and the airport at risk. Pius Ngeze's report points out
that the overflow from the Kanoni River has exacerbated the situation,
stressing the importance of flood defenses in key areas of the city.
Geological
experts from the Univesity of Dar es Salaam, including Dr. Halima Chacha, have
corroborated Rweyongeza’s concerns. Dr. Chacha explains, "Lake Victoria’s
rising water levels are influenced by climate change and tectonic activity.
The recent
floods have caused significant damage, with critical infrastructure such as
schools, hospitals, and the airport at risk. Pius Ngeze's report points out
that the overflow from the Kanoni River has exacerbated the situation,
stressing the importance of flood defenses in key areas of the city.
Geological
experts from the University of Dar es Salaam, including Dr. Halima Chacha, have
corroborated Rweyongeza’s concerns. Dr. Chacha explains, "Lake Victoria’s
rising water levels are influenced by climate change and tectonic activity. The
situation in Bukoba is exacerbated by the city’s low elevation and proximity to
seismic zones, making it crucial to implement robust flood defenses."
Christopher
Joseph Kiiza, popularly known as Rwamutukula, Kagera resident and graduate at
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultu Technology (JKUAT) who is a social
consultant with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), says History is
inescapable and we cannot ignore research reports and information. That in 1957
the British Consulting Firm w named Sir Alexander Gibbs& Partners, was
assigned the task of conducting research on the CHARACTER OF RIVERS, LAKES AND
OTHER WATER SOURCES AND HOW THEY FLOW TO LAKE VICTORIA which showed Bukoba was
a condemned area for settlements.
Dr
Rweyongeza has advocated for the construction of levees and flood barriers to
shield essential infrastructure, suggesting relocating critical facilities to
higher ground. "Building on elevated areas and developing new parts of the
city away from floodplains is essential to mitigate future risks," he
asserts. He draws comparisons with cities like New Orleans and Amsterdam, which
have successfully managed flood risks through extensive flood defenses.
The need
for strategic development and infrastructure improvements in Bukoba is evident.
Rweyongeza’s plea for immediate and substantial investment is a crucial step
towards safeguarding the city's future. "We must act now to prevent future
tragedies. Our actions today will determine the resilience of Bukoba for
generations to come," he warns.
Experts
are also calling for scientific research to address the persistent flooding
issues in Bukoba. Dr. Egidius Kamanyi, a researcher and sociology lecturer at
the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasizes that such research is vital for
finding long-term solutions. "Kagera Region, including Bukoba, typically
experiences long rains between February and March. However, recent floods in
June 2024 have shown the need for scientific research to address these issues
effectively," Dr. Kamanyi says.
Miembeni
Ward Councilor Mr. Richard Gasper was quoted as
saying that many people have been displaced due to the flooding, with
relief supplies awaited from the central government. "The floods have
submerged houses and damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges,"
Gasper adds.
The then
Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary Mr. Toba Nguvila directed the Bukoba
District Disaster Management Committee to assess the flood's impact. He also
instructed councils in nearby districts to maintain drainage systems and
prevent blockages.
"Residents
must avoid dumping garbage in drainage infrastructure and clear the banks of
the Kanoni River to ensure proper water flow," Nguvila advises. He further
urges those in flood-prone areas to relocate for their safety.Flood-prone areas
in Bukoba, such as Omukigusha, Kashabo, Matopeni, Kashai, Katatolwansi,
Nyamkazi, and parts of Bunena, have been severely affected.
The 2021
floods, which displaced around 300 households, serve as a grim reminder of the
ongoing risks.In response to the persistent disasters, the Assistant Director
of Disaster Research at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Charles Msangi,
highlights the progress made in disaster management. "The country has
improved its disaster response through the Disaster Management Act of 2022,
enhancing early warning systems and infrastructure," he notes.
A study
titled "Five Decades of Disasters in Bukoba" by Dr. Egidius Kamanyi
provides a detailed account of the region's traumatic experiences. The study
outlines various disasters, including the Uganda-Kagera War, the HIV/AIDS
pandemic, the MV Bukoba ship accident, and the 2016 earthquake. It also
documents the severe impact of the 1997-1998 El Niño floods, which displaced
many residents and led to significant food insecurity and health crises.
The 2016
earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.7, caused extensive damage, catching many
residents off-guard. The study reveals that the disaster affected daily
activities and disrupted institutions, highlighting the need for improved
preparedness.
Rweyongeza's
call for action resonates with the urgent need to address these challenges
comprehensively. His appeal for robust flood defenses and strategic urban
planning is a critical step toward ensuring Bukoba's resilience against future
disasters.
As the
city grapples with these pressing issues, local authorities, stakeholders, and
the community need to collaborate and implement effective solutions to
safeguard Bukoba’s future.
Rweyongeza
draws inspiration from cities like New Orleans and Amsterdam, which have
successfully managed their flood risks through extensive infrastructure
investments. New Orleans, for instance, has invested heavily in its levee
systems and floodgates to protect the city from hurricanes and flooding.
Similarly, Amsterdam has employed a comprehensive network of dikes, canals, and
barriers to control water levels and prevent inundation.
These
cities demonstrate that with substantial investment and forward-thinking
planning, it is possible to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and
build resilience against future threats.
It is
palpable that, Bukoba faces an uncertain future, embracing these proven
strategies and committing to robust flood defenses will be crucial. The path
forward demands collective effort and immediate action to safeguard lives and
preserve the city's infrastructure.
Rweyongeza's message serves as a powerful
reminder that proactive measures today will secure a safer, more resilient
future for Bukoba, and thanks to the Bukoba municipal council, which saw the
importance of expanding Bukoba town and initiated a legal process since 2010 to
2011, and the negotiations between the municipal council and Bukoba district council
is underway as the municipal council intends to take nine wards from Bukoba
district council when it expands itself to be a modern city.
Mayor
Gypson Godson was quoted as mentioning the nine wards to be taken from Bukoba
district council to be Kaagya Kishanje, Rubafu, Buhendangabo and Nyakato.
Others are
Katoma, Karabagaine and Kanyangereko.
According
to an assessment by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), the water volume
in Lake Victoria has surpassed the historic mark of 13.41 meters recorded in
1964.
"Urgent
action is needed as over 200,000 people have already been displaced in Kenya
and Uganda," said LVBC Executive Secretary Ali-Said Matano. In a virtual
meeting with transboundary water experts from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Dr.
Matano emphasized the need for regional strategies to mitigate the effects of
flooding.
Kisumu’s
Nyando Sub-County in western Kenya has been severely affected by the flooding,
with homes submerged, crops washed away, and roads damaged. The county
government reports that 32,000 people have been displaced, though the actual
number may be higher.
Rev. Caleb
Obonyo of the Episcopal Church in Nduru Location has been forced to shelter in
his church with 10 family members. "The situation is dire. We all have to
squeeze into this tiny room," he said, pointing to the mud-walled
structure they now call home.
In Busia
County, over 40,000 people have been affected, with Budalang’i and Bunyala
sub-counties bearing the brunt of the flooding after River Nzoia burst its
banks.
The
backflow from Lake Victoria has displaced hundreds of residents in Siaya
County. "This is the worst flooding I have experienced since 1964,"
said 73-year-old Angelina Ajwang from Nyadorera. "Things have been getting
worse since January, and now we have nowhere to call home."In response,
the Ugandan government has authorized Eskom to double the rate of water being
released to 2,400 cubic meters per second to prevent Lake Victoria from
expanding beyond its protection zone. "The objective is to ensure the power
dam’s safety and manage the lake’s water levels," explained Dr. Matano.
Uganda’s
Ministry of Water and Environment has issued a notification on emergency
disaster preparedness to partner states, as required by the protocol for
sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin.
LVBC has called on development partners, the
private sector, and well-wishers to support ongoing initiatives to mitigate the
flooding's severe effects. "The immediate needs are food, shelter,
sanitation, and basic medical facilities, especially with the ongoing Covid-19
pandemic," added Dr. Matano.
The
resilience of Bukoba and its surrounding areas will depend on the commitment to
robust disaster preparedness and the integration of scientific expertise into
all aspects of planning and response. The time to act is now, and the need for
comprehensive, forward-thinking strategies has never been more critical.