THE government has identified serious ecological threats facing Lake Tlawi in Manyara Region, following a comprehensive environmental assessment aimed at safeguarding the lake's long-term survival and its surrounding ecosystem.

Khamis Hamza Khamis, the Union and Environment deputy minister in the Vice President’s Office (VPO), disclosed the findings in Parliament yesterday, responding to Zacharia Issaay (Mbulu), who sought updates on the implementation of expert recommendations to restore the lake.

Key threats include heavy sedimentation in the lake and a sharp decline in water inflow, largely due to the complete diversion of the Endayaya River for domestic use, he said.

The rapid spread of invasive aquatic weeds along the lake’s banks and within its waters has drastically reduced fish habitats and biodiversity, conditions that not only diminish fishing activities but also pose a serious risk to the ecological balance of the area, he explained.

To combat the degradation, the government is allocating funds and pursuing international support from environmental and climate resilience mechanisms, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

He urged local government authorities to step up enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly the Environmental Management Act, Cap 191, Section 57 (4)(i), which prohibits any permanent or damaging human activity within 60 meters of water bodies such as lakes and rivers.

“We must act decisively to protect our natural resources. Violating buffer zone laws not only threatens ecosystems but also undermines food security and water access,” he stressed.

The government is currently preparing 11 nationwide projects aimed at addressing environmental degradation, including the cleaning of rivers and lakes, the deputy minister hinted, in response to a supplementary question.

Initiatives to contain aquatic weeds are ongoing, he said, appealing for patience as the government mobilizes resources for wider interventions, stressing that the two sides of the union are working together to tackle environmental challenges across the country.

Local communities need to refrain from destructive activities such as unsustainable farming and support efforts to restore Lake Tlawi and other endangered water bodies, he added.