A wall under construction at Protea Hotel in Entebbe. It is placed few meters futher in the water to prevent water waves driven by strong wind from flowing into the hotel garden and swiming pool area. Credit Wambi Michael
Since hitting a record-low water level eleven years ago, Lake Victoria has been replenishing at an almost unprecedented rate.
Lake Victoria Ecological and Maritime Company Limited says water levels have increased by 5.7 metres above the previous level measured two years ago.
The exact level of the increase is yet to be determined but some estimate there has been a six feet rise above the low level registered in 2004.
A source at Eskom told Uganda radio Network that the water at Rippon Falls in Jinja has been at an average of 12.5 meters.
Eskom recently opened the gates at the former Own Fall dam in effort to balance the water to avoid flooding. The gates had not been opened for years from the time when the second dam was constructed.
Experts say the resurgence has provided relief to the power generation and fishing sector.
The increase in the levels is partly attributed to rain-induced runoff and higher amounts of precipitation, and low evaporation. Some say it may be due to climate change.
Engineer Richard Cong, the commission in charge of water for production at the Ministry of Water and Environment, confirmed the resurgence of Lake Victoria.
He could not tell by how much the water level has increased but noted the increase is quite significant.
He attributed the increase on the El-nino rains that have been experienced the years after the fall of the water levels
////Cue In “It means more rain…
Cue Out…..the purpose of why it has risen”////
A recent study revealed that water levels in Lake Victoria will rise in the next 10-15 years.
The increase according to North Carolina State University's Department of Marine, Earth and Atmosphere Sciences is due to changes in weather patterns as a result of global warming.
North Carolina State University's Professor and Director of Climate Fredrick Sematimba, says the lake will replenish its waters at an almost unprecedented rate, which will result in its rise.
Dr. John Rao Nyaoro, the outgoing Executive Director of Nile Basin Initiative says the increase is as a result of climate change.
////Cue In “The goodness with …
Cue Out…..in Lake Victoria” ////
The increase of Lake Victoria according to Dr. John Rao Nyaoro, will also have important implications for economic development for countries sharing this water body.
However, the rising waters are negatively impacting on shoreline properties like hotels.
Hotels and other recreational facilities on Lake Victoria shoreline are now fighting to avoid water splashing into their properties.
Palm trees at Kitubulu beach that used to stand out of the waters are now in the water. The grass and walkways along the beach are now covered by water.
Most of the beach operators were hesitant to comment when contacted but it was evident that they were being impacted negatively.
At Protea Hotel, another block wall is being constructed to prevent the water from further extending towards its swimming pool and back entrances.
