Dodoma on February 10, 2010: A Tanzanian minister stated to Parliament that the greatest threats to Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater body, are increased human activities and an increase of population.
Selemani Jaffo, the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Environment, said human activities facing the lake included dumping of solid wastes from households and industries, reports Xinhua news agency.
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 out the accusing finger at fishermen, manufacturers, residents and others who were responsible for the degrading of the lake’s environment.
He stated that the government was taking steps to protect the lake, including awareness campaigns and fighting illegal fishing.
Jaffo said the government has also been amending laws, creating regulations, guidelines and strategies aimed at controlling pollution of the country’s great lakes.(IANS)
