L. Victoria’s level rising fast, East Africans told

As nearly 40, 000 people gather in Paris to discuss climate change and its impact, a study brings the issue closer home.

Ugandan scientist Fredrick Ssemazi has cautioned countries bordering Lake Victoria that its waters will rise in the next 10 to 15 years due to changes in weather patterns.

According to Prof Ssemazi, this is East Africa paradox because in the past years, there has been a decline in the long rains because of global warming and natural climate variations.

The rise in the lake’s height, according to Prof Ssemazi, would have devastating effects as it will destroy infrastructure and cause flooding and diseases.

He says the East African countries are not prepared for the effects of the rise of the lake’s waters.

“This surge in water levels will lead to destruction of roads and infrastructure. We are likely to see damage on power plants and businesses near the lake,” he told the Nation on Monday

The member of North Carolina State University’s Department of Marine, Earth and Atmosphere Sciences says East Africa should train experts on how to handle changes in the environment.

He adds that the region’s meteorology departments do not have adequate capacity to handle “climate evolution”.

“They should devise a global climate model which is important for making projections for the region for proper planning so that road systems and railway lines are not destroyed,” Prof Ssemazi said.

The World Bank says climate change could drive over 100 million people into poverty by 2030.