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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24063, member: 2262"] East African Officials Pledge More Funds for Lake Victoria. Principal Secretaries from East African nations have committed to increase funding for Lake Victoria's conservation efforts. Julius Korir, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Sanitation and Water, urged member states to boost their national investments alongside funding from development partners. "Our national budgets must reflect the gravity of the situation," Korir said. The increased financial support aims to protect Lake Victoria and help millions who rely on it. Uganda's Permanent Secretary for Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okidi, stressed the need for regional teamwork in managing shared waters. "Our projects, like the maritime safety initiative, protect waters and improve lives across the basin," Okidi said. "Clean, safe, and productive ecosystems remain our shared duty." Rwanda's Permanent Secretary for Environment, Beatrice Cyiza, praised the region's unified approach to water and sanitation challenges. She highlighted the Lake Victoria Basin Commission's success in running projects that benefit all member nations. The officials met in Kisumu for the 11th joint regional policy steering committee meeting on Lake Victoria Basin Commission projects. Dr Masinde Bwire, Executive Secretary of the LVBC, outlined current and future water improvement plans. These include the Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Program, funded by the European Union and Germany. The program tackles water pollution, silting, and farm runoff issues. The commission reported progress on a Maritime Rescue Center in Mwanza, Tanzania. Plans also include better sanitation for cities like Kisumu, Mwanza, and Kampala. "These programs need both international funding and strong government support to protect the Lake Victoria Basin," Bwire said. The increased commitment from East African Community members points toward stronger regional unity and better environmental care for Lake Victoria. [/QUOTE]

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