Morogoro

Morogoro

Morogoro is a city located in the eastern part of Tanzania, approximately 196 kilometers (122 miles) west of Dar es Salaam.[3] It serves as the capital of the Morogoro Region. Informally, it is referred to as Mji kasoro bahari, which translates to city short of an ocean/port.[4] In Morogoro, the non-profit organization APOPO trains Gambian pouched rats known as HeroRATS, for landmine detection as well as the detection of tuberculosis. Notably, the Sokoine University of Agriculture is based in Morogoro. The city is also home to various missions that provide educational and medical facilities, benefiting the local community. The Mindu Dam, situated on the Ngerengere River, stands as the primary water source for Morogoro, meeting approximately 80% of the city's water demands. Despite its critical role, the dam has been a focal point of controversy since its inception in 1978. The formation of a reservoir behind the dam has led to a surge in bilharzia infection rates,[5] while the city's water supply has suffered pollution from mercury runoff originating from nearby gold mining activities.[6] Furthermore, deforestation in the dam's vicinity has accelerated sedimentation, adversely affecting its capacity.[7]