MWANZA, Aug. 21 -- THE Tanzanian government has intensified efforts to combat invasive weeds in Lake Victoria, with more than 10,000 tonnes of the plants already cleared from affected areas.

Minister of State in the Vice Presidents Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni said laboratory investigations are underway to identify biological agents that can effectively suppress the weed, known locally as Gugumaji.

Speaking during his visit to Kigongo–Busisi in Mwanza Region, one of the hardest-hit areas, the minister said the research at the Kibaha laboratory in Coast Region builds on a recent study tour to Uganda, where Tanzanian experts learnt about successful biological control methods.

“This research is vit...