Kenya - The government plans to employ more than 2,000 youths to manually uproot water hyacinth that have become a menace in Lake Victoria. Nyanza PC Francis Mutie said the government, through the National Environmental Management Authority, is set to release Sh100 million for the project. Mutie lamented that the weed has covered a large section of the lake, preventing fishermen from carrying out their daily fishing expeditions. "It is regrettable that fishing, which is the main economic activity in this region, has been hampered by the spread of the weeds in the lake," he said.

The weeds have spread from Kisumu to Winam Gulf, hindering movement in the lake. Mutie said his office will identify a place where the uprooted plants will be put before it is sold to farmers as organic fertiliser. "Research has actually proved that organic fertilisers can be made from the plant. We shall collect them and sell them to farmers," he said.

The PC also said plans to set up Sh14 million car washes in Kisumu are still on. He said the facilities will reduce pollution in Lake Victoria where residents wash their cars.

Last month, Kisumu environmental officer Solomon Kihiu said the plan involves establishment of four car wash facilities within the town centre and one at Kondole Estate.

Yesterday, PC Mutie called on the community to support the two programmes which he said will lead to a big harvest of fish in the lake. "We are aware of the drastic reduction of fish in Lake Victoria and therefore want to implement the two projects so that we can more catch," he said.

The PC warned fishermen against using illegal fishing gear such as mosquito nets that harvest immature fish. He said stern action will be taken against those who use such equipment.

Justus Ochieng

Nairobi Star/10/03/2011