By Alex Gahima
Communities adjacent to the wetland Swamp of Ruheza Nyenda Swamp in Kisoro district have been encouraged to work together to collect accurate data from the Hydrological Monitoring Station that was constructed by the Ministry of Water and Environment ahead of the expected rains.
A Hydrological Monitoring Station is a small structure constructed in the wetland used to monitor the rising levels of water that can help communities to plan well, in case of floods.
The Government of Uganda in partnership with UNDP received funding amounting to 44 Million US dollars from the Green Climate fund for wetland restoration in 24 districts, including 600 hectares Ruheza Nyenda Wetland in Kisoro.
Hydrological Monitoring Stations were constructed two years ago along river Ruheza Nyenda and river Kaku which are known to burst their banks during the rainy season, having devastating effects, including loss of lives, crops and other Government infrastructure.
Judith Muja, the senior environment officer said people should be preparing for heavy rains that are likely to follow as a result of the prolonged dry season of nearly four months.
According to Muja, the early warning systems will help the communities inform the district authorities on the rising levels of water in time and this can help prevent unnecessary loss of lives and property.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority [UNMA] Rainfall Outlook for August 2023 suggests that mid-western Uganda is likely to experience near normal or slightly enhanced rainfall which can cause flash floods.
In May this year, heavy rains in Murora and Kanaba Sub counties caused mudslides that resulted in the loss of eight lives.
Several acres of farmland were also washed away during the deluge.
Committees Created for this Purpose.
Residents of Kirwa Village, Rutaka Parish, Kirundo Sub County yesterday formed a seven-man committee which promised to keep monitoring the water levels and to inform the leaders in time.
The committee members include Ndagijimana Moses, Eldad Twesigye, Ndikusukimana, Owembabazi Beatrice, Mahoro Noreda, Mbonyebyombi Beatrice and Babyagirayi.
Another seven-man committee was also formed in Rwanzu Village, Buhumbu Parish, Busanza Sub County to monitor water levels on River Kaku.
The members include Intwari Wilbroad, Nyiraguhirwa Prisca, Opio James, Hategekaimana Ventina, Hategekimana John, Namirembe Siriuki.
The community members said they have found the wetlands beneficial to their lives because they are able to grow sweet potatoes and yams throughout the year.
The also said that they easily access materials to weave mats and baskets which they sell for money.
Busanza Sub County LCIII chairperson Muntuki Didas commended Government for remembering the people of Kisoro who have suffered at the hand of natural disasters caused by too much rain.
Kisoro District Agricultural Officer Nyiramutuzo Harriet advised residents near wetlands to find alternative sources of income to avoid further degradation of wetlands in Kisoro district.
She urged the communities to have animals including pigs, sheep and cows at home and only visit the wetland to collect grass for the animals.
Nyiramutuzo further urged household heads to the Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini technique to help harvest rainwater from their houses.
Fanya Chini (Kiswahili) literally means “throw it downwards” while Fanya Juu (Kiswahili) means “throw it upwards.” It prevents the rain that falls outside the home from flowing at a high speed, destroying gardens and neighboring homes, especially in hilly places.
Senior Community Development Officer Sam Niyonzima urged the Communities living near wetlands to change their mindset about using wetlands for cultivation only focus their energies on getting into the cash economy by adding value to the mats and baskets.
Niyonzima said women can form groups to weave four beautiful mats every month each attracting 50,000 Ugandan shillings from individuals and hotels in Kisoro town.
He pointed out that 200,000 shillings a month can greatly supplement the income at household level and reduce the stress currently being put on the wetlands.
The Hydrological Monitoring Stations in Kisoro district were set up in 2021 under a project dubbed, Building Resilient Communities Wetland Ecosystem and Associated Catchments in Uganda.
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