A landmark cross-border water quality monitoring initiative has officially begun in Mwanza, Tanzania, as East African nations unite to protect Lake Victoria from pollution and invasive species. The collaborative effort involves experts from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the coordination of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), with support from the German Development Agency (GIZ) through the “EAC for Nature” project.
Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, supports the livelihoods of over 40 million people across the East African Community (EAC). However, it is under growing threat from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable land-use practices. To address these concerns, scientists are conducting a comprehensive water sampling exercise at 46 designated sites across the three partner states.
The exercise aims to generate reliable scientific data to inform environmental policy and conservation strategies. According to LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire, the campaign will assess pollution levels, identify ecological threats, and evaluate the spread of invasive aquatic plants such as the water hyacinth.
“The study’s findings will be vital in guiding the conservation of Lake Victoria’s biodiversity and ecological balance,” said Dr. Bwire in an interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA). He emphasized that the initiative underscores the shared responsibility of EAC member states in protecting the lake’s health.
Water samples will be analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological parameters, including nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus), total suspended solids, and major ions like calcium and magnesium. On-site measurements will include pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and light penetration, with GPS coordinates and depth profiles taken to support spatial analysis.
Selected sites will also be screened for toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead, while biological assessments will focus on phytoplankton diversity and algal bloom risks.
Dr. Bwire noted that the data collected will offer a comprehensive view of the lake’s current state and help guide both regional and community-level interventions. Findings from this initiative are expected to inform future environmental policies and cross-border conservation projects in the Lake Victoria Basin.
