Kampala — EAST African Community countries will soon have general regional laws on conserving forest and water resource.

The deputy Secretary General for the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Wilson Kipkore has said. The laws will be passed by the East African Legislative Assembly to create a balance between economic development and environmental conservation to cater for current and future generations.

The East African Community comprises Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

The Lake Victoria Basin Commission was appointed in April 2006 as an apex institution of the East African Community responsible for management and development of the Lake Victoria Basin.

The EAC established the institution to promote, facilitate and coordinate activities of different sectors towards the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria basin which is recognised as a regional economic zone. Lake Victoria is the world's second largest fresh water lake.