DAR ES SALAAM (Xinhua), Feb. 9, 2009 — A Tanzanian minister said Wednesday to parliament that increased human activity and a surge of population are major threats for Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the globe.
Selemani Jafo, the Minister in the Vice President’s Office responsible Environment, stated that human activities that could affect the lake include dumping solid wastes from homes and industries.
Jaffo informed the House in Dodoma that unsustainable agriculture, which causes water pollution, and improper use of pesticides, were all other human activities.
He pointed a finger at fishermen, manufacturers, and residents saying that they were responsible for the degradation of the lake’s environment.
He said that the government was taking action to protect the lake. These included awareness campaigns, programs, and fighting against illegal fishing.
Jaffo stated that the government has been changing laws and creating guidelines, regulations, and strategies to control pollution of the country’s great lakes.