Nyumba Ya Mungu Dam Closed for a Year

Moshi — Local governments in Kilimanjaro and Manyara have closed down 'Nyumba ya Mungu' Dam for one year, following increased use of illegal fishing methods.

Moshi, Mwanga and Simanjiro District Commissioners have been tasked with the responsibility of implementing the directive and ensuring stern legal measures are taken against those who will go against the directive.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Saidi Mecky Sadiki made the remarks during a special celebration to swear in new district commissioners in the region held in Moshi over the weekend.

RC Sadiki said the decision was reached recently during a meeting that was jointly attended by the neighbouring regions surrounding the Nyumba ya Mungu Dam, noting that implementation of the directive kicked off on July 1, this year.

"The closure of the dam follows increasing use of illegal fishing methods.... there is serious environmental degradation and decrease in the water levels in the dam, which might affect production of electricity and loss of fish," he explained.

In addition, RC Sadiki tasked the DCs to implement the Regional Consultative Council (RCC) of banning use of chain saws in cutting trees. Meanwhile, the Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, briefed the new DCs on five major conflicts experienced in their areas.

Among the five major conflicts, includes one on land ownership, involving pastoralists living around Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO).

Another conflict involves Longido district residents in Arusha region and Tourism Investor in Ndarakwai area which resulted in people burning the area.