By Sylvia K
In a bid to conserve the environment, Authorities in Fort Portal city, have launched a campaign to rescue River Mpanga from pollution and also erase all activities that are non-friendly to the river between 30 -100 meters.
The campaign, comes at a time when a number of people are establishing permanent structures at the edge of the river within the city, which the authorities claim puts the existence of the river at risk.
Moses Otimong, the Fort portal city town clerk, stated the intention of the exercise as saving the river from encroachment, but also putting to action the presidential directives of removing all people who conduct activities that are non-environment friendly, with a space of 100 meters.
Moses Otimong, the Fort Portal city clerk.
According to Otimong, most of the developers remain adamant of council warnings against encroachment on wetlands in the city, which has seen a record rise of encroachment.
The town clerk, reveals his determination to ensure that there is no selective application of the law during enforcement.
He adds that encroachers should vacate the premises of the river and other wetlands or face the law.
Demolished structures
Edson Asaba Ruyonga, the mayor Fort Portal city, said the campaign to save the river from encroachment will continue to ensure all edges of the river banks are left free which will reduce contamination of the water.
Buildings built at river bank being demolished
Ruyonga, says Fort Portal council was forced to demolish two permanent structures built only four meters away from the river banks. This he reveals, was after the developer re-established the permanent structure within 48 hours after the first demolishing.
In spite of having received death threats from the developer only identified as Philemon Asiimwe, the proprietor of the demolished structures, Ruyonga is still determined to stand on the right side of the law to ensure that justice is served.
Asaba Edison Ruyonga warns on wetland destruction
Joseph Mashuhuko, the Mayor North division, revealed that 5 people in his division are in custody over wetland degradation.
He warns that the exercise will continue, to ensure all environment echo systems are restored to allow them regenerate to avoid severe drought in Future.
Mashuhuko on degraders
Richard Muhumuza, the central division Mayor Fort Portal, says the division has launched a campaign to save the river from encroachment . They have too dedicated 19 million shillings, to ensure the river is desilted at all times to mitigate pollution.
Muhumuza says council has also established a river gang in whose duty will be to maintain clear and smooth flow of River Mpanga and its Tributaries.
