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