The Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has provided guidance on several pressing environmental issues in Kanungu District:

1. Disputed Ownership of Restored Wetland in Nyabusharo Village, Rushaka Parish, Nyamirama Sub-county, Kihihi Town Council.

• GPS coordinates have been recorded by NEMA to assist in accurately marking the wetland boundaries.
• Land surrounding  the wetlands will remain unaffected.
• Residents are urged to avoid encroaching upon the restored wetland.

2. Contested Ownership of National Forestry Authority Gazetted Land for Forest Reserve in Kiruruma Village, Rushaka Parish, Nyamirama Sub-county.

• GPS coordinates have been collected to evaluate the ecological status of the forest and ascertain if it qualifies as a wetland.

3. Illegal Sand Mining in Nyakinoni Village, Nyamirama Sub-county, Kihihi Town Council.

Local leaders are encouraged to improve the sand mining process by:

•  Making mining certificates mandatory.
•  Utilizing excavators for sand extraction instead of traditional methods to prevent accidents.

4. Wetland in Mpangango village, Nyamirambi Parish, Katete sub county, Kanungu District, utilised by National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) for Water Extraction for Kihihi Town Council.

•  Given that groundwater is finite, there is a risk of depleting the wetland.
• NWSC is advised to seek alternative water sources to ensure sustainability.

5. Encroachment on Wetlands.

•    All encroachers are advised to vacate the wetlands peacefully and restore any degraded areas.
•    Restoration orders will be issued to all encroachers in the region.

NEMA will collaborate closely with government agencies and local leadership in Kanungu District to resolve these issues amicably.