In an important step towards improving water management, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has given Tanzania eight advanced hydrological monitoring stations. These stations will help track water levels, flow rates, and other key data to enhance how water resources are managed.

The Nile Basin Regional Hydrological Monitoring System is designed to improve water monitoring in the region and help member countries gather shared data. This will support the sustainable use of water resources across the Nile Basin nations.

The newly installed monitoring stations are located at strategic points, including the Mara River at Kogatende and Nyansurura, Grumeti River at M Bridge, and Mbalageti River at Ndabaka. Others are the Ruvuvu River at Kasharazi, Kagera River at Rusumo Falls and Kyaka Ferry, and Simiyu River at Lumeji.

During the official handover ceremony in Dodoma on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, appreciated the partnership between the Ministry of Water and the NBI.

“This partnership has been instrumental in enhancing water management practices and fostering a harmonious relationship among the Nile Basin member states,” she said.

The regional monitoring system consists of 43 upgraded stations and a data management system across nine Nile Basin countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

According to Engineer Waziri, the NBI has been instrumental in leading projects that solve critical water issues in the region.

“The completion of this project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Director of NBI, Dr. Florence Adongo, and her team for their unwavering commitment to effective water resource management,” she added.

The hydrological monitoring stations in Tanzania are part of this 43-station system and will help assess and manage water resources. They will support the fair distribution of water for different uses, including agriculture, industry, energy, domestic needs, and environmental conservation.

Additionally, the stations will help monitor floods and droughts, providing early warnings for disaster response. They will also track water quality to address pollution concerns in the Nile Basin.

To ensure the stations function properly, Engineer Waziri instructed the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board (LVBWB) Director, Mr. Renatus Shinhu, to oversee their maintenance and proper use.

“It is imperative that we remain focused on our goals. The sustainability of these projects depends on our commitment to their upkeep and the responsible management of our water resources. Let us all commit to cooperation, accountability, and innovation as we enhance our water management systems for the benefit of our communities and future generations,” she urged.

NBI Executive Director, Dr. Florence Adongo, explained that the hydromet system gathers real-time data from the 43 stations and transmits it to NBI offices.

“While each country operates its own station, the goal is to ensure continuous data-sharing among member states. Through peer-to-peer learning, trust and confidence are built, enhancing cooperation under NBI protocols,” she explained.

Dr. Adongo highlighted how transboundary projects under NBI have brought practical solutions to regional water challenges. She pointed out the Rusumo Hydropower Project as an example of successful collaboration between Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

“This project stands as a testament to regional collaboration. Tanzania’s national grid has gained an additional 27 megawatts of power over the past year, directly benefiting communities and various sectors of the economy,” she said.

The official field handover of all stations to the government was held on March 4, 2025, at the Kyaka Ferry hydrological station.

This project, funded through joint support from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), aims to provide real-time data to ensure sustainable water management across the Nile Basin.