DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has called on the Lake Victoria Region Local Authorities Cooperation (LVRLAC) to intensify efforts in safeguarding the Lake Victoria’s natural resources, stressing the lake’s vital role in the socio-economic development of East African nations.

The message was conveyed yesterday by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Dr Festo Dugange, during LVRLAC’s 25th general meeting held in Mwanza.

“Dr Biteko instructed me to emphasise that Lake Victoria is a critical engine for economic and development activities in the region, especially in Tanzania, which holds the largest share of the lake. Protecting it means protecting our national economy,” said Dr Dugange.

He further urged LVRLAC, through its partners, to continue promoting the use of clean energy in line with government policies and goals.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive is that by 2034, every citizen should be using clean energy. I commend the LVRLAC women’s network for championing this cause and saving lives through clean energy and the production of energy-efficient stoves,” he added.

Dr Dugange also called on local councils to boost internal revenue collection to enhance service delivery and reduce dependence on central government funding.

LVRLAC secretary general, Bill Brown, noted that the cooperation includes 130 local government authorities from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda that border Lake Victoria. The forum aims to promote sustainable development and conservation of the lake.

He said the 25th general meeting will address, among other issues, the resurgence of the invasive water hyacinth, which continues to pose economic and environmental threats across the region.

LVRLAC chairperson William Gumbo said the organisation, established in 1997, now comprises 42 councils from Tanzania’s Lake Zone and a total of 132 member councils from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

He outlined LVRLAC’s mission to foster growth among its member authorities by facilitating knowledge exchange visits abroad and mobilising partnerships to support Lake Victoria’s preservation.

Gumbo also revealed that the organisation recently secured over   270 million/- to procure a garbage truck and environmental conservation equipment.

Adelard Mang'ombo, senior government business manager at NMB Bank—main sponsor of the event—said the bank has allocated over   100bn/- to support environmental protection efforts nationwide.

He added that the funding also supports clean energy entrepreneurs, aligning with government efforts to promote sustainable energy use.

On the 10 percent local council loans managed through the bank, Mang'ombo said NMB not only facilitates disbursement but also provides financial literacy training to ensure long-term sustainability for beneficiary groups.