CALL FOR STANDALONE ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY AS RUVUMA DIALOGUE SPARKS ACTION ON WATER GOVERNANCE
A multi-stakeholder dialogue on water governance in Ruvuma Region has reignited calls for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Environment, as stakeholders push for stronger, more coordinated action to address climate change and safeguard water resources.
The call emerged during a high-level dialogue held in Songea, bringing together government officials, environmental experts, and civil society actors under the “Voices for Water” initiative—an effort aimed at strengthening inclusive and sustainable water governance in the Ruvuma Basin.
Ruvuma Water and Sanitation Authority Regional Manager, Engineer Rebman Ganshona, noted that much of the impact attributed to climate change is driven by human activity, underscoring the urgency of stronger governance structures.
“A dedicated ministry would ensure coordinated oversight of conservation efforts and enable more effective responses to environmental challenges,” he said.
Echoing the call, Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) Executive Director, Advocate Philomena Mwalongo, stressed that an independent ministry would enhance efficiency and ensure environmental policies better reflect community needs.
“Stronger institutional arrangements are critical if we are to deliver meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes for communities,” she said.
The dialogue forms part of the Inclusive Freshwater Governance for Sustainable Communities in the Ruvuma Basin project, popularly known as “Voices for Water,” launched earlier this year. The initiative is already making strides in empowering women and youth to take part in decision-making processes on water governance at both community and basin levels.
Implemented by YOGE in collaboration with Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE) and supported by IUCN BRIDGE, the project brought together key regional actors, including the Ruvuma Water Basin Board, the Office of the Regional Commissioner and Songea Municipal Council.
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