Lake Victoria, a vital resource for East Africa, is facing significant environmental challenges. The lake, which supports over 47 million people across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, has seen its water quality decline due to pollution from various sources over the past four decades.
A World Bank study highlights that pollution in Lake Victoria largely originates from human settlements and industrial activities. Many communities around the lake lack proper sanitation infrastructure, leading to untreated sewage entering the water body. This situation not only degrades water quality but also poses public health risks by spreading diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery.
Efforts to address these issues are being coordinated by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission through the Lakewide Inclusive Sanitation (LWIS) Strategy. Developed with regional collaboration, this strategy aims to improve sanitation services across the basin. It involves conducting sanitation assessments in 57 urban settlements and creating action plans for cities in four countries.
The LWIS Strategy integrates solutions for urban sanitation, stormwater drainage, and waste management. Earth observation technology is being used to monitor improvements in water quality as part of this initiative. An estimated $1.9 billion is required to implement the strategy fully, with funding expected from diverse sources including private sector investments.
The potential benefits of a cleaner Lake Victoria include improved public health, economic growth, and job creation—nearly 70,000 jobs could be generated over the next decade through private sector involvement. The collaborative approach by the five basin countries along with the East African Community and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission underscores their commitment to restoring the lake's ecosystem and enhancing community livelihoods.
By adopting this strategy, stakeholders aim to transform Lake Victoria into a model of environmental resilience and prosperity.