DAR ES SALAAM, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Saturday directed regional and district authorities across the country to conduct regular inspections of protected areas, including water sources and rivers, in a bid to curb environmental degradation.

He issued the directive while participating in the Great Ruaha Marathon, held at Ibuguziwa inside the Ruaha National Park in the Iringa Region.

"We want to see all streams that feed into the main rivers well-preserved so we can secure abundant water to support development activities. The Great Ruaha River flows into our Mwalimu Nyerere Hydropower Dam," said Majaliwa.

He urged local governments to identify key water sources in their areas and implement transparent and specialized conservation plans to maintain sufficient water flow.

"I encourage you to enact bylaws to protect these resources, which are vital to your communities," he added.

Majaliwa also called for the enforcement of sustainable land-use planning, starting at the village level, along with long-term environmental education and tree-planting campaigns in both rural and urban communities. ■