Siaya county government has distributed patrol boat engines to Uyawi, Sifu and Lihunda beaches in Central Sakwa ward in Bondo sub counties to enhance security in the lake.
Speaking at Lihunda Beach, Siaya Governor, Cornel Rasanga said the engines will be used by the Beach Management Units (BMU) to fight the use of illegal fishing gears and to ensure there is security in the lake.
Rasanga told the BMU leaders to work closely with the county government to ensure resources in the lake are conserved.
“Our people depend on the lake, if we are not careful resources in the lake will be depleted because of illegal fishing nets,” the governor said.
Rasanga who was flanked by CEC Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries, Charles Ogada told the BMU leaders to put the engines to good use by conducting frequent patrol and report all those who use illegal fishing gears for prosecution.
Ogada on his part said the boats will also be useful during emergency response in the lake like during accidents and transportation of sick people from various surrounding beaches to the hospital.
The CEC revealed that additional fibre boats will also be distributed in Ndeda and Oyamo islands to enhance patrol.
He said the county government is keen on the welfare of the lake since it is a natural resource which should be conserved for the benefit of the future generation.
Ogada said so far, the county government had constructed 10 fish shades, pit latrines besides fencing of various beaches in the county.
He revealed that the county government will provide boats that will be used with the engines within the next three months.
“We are already in the process of identifying a local person to build boats that will be used with the engines so that we can commence intensive patrols in the lake,” Ogada stated.
Area MCA, Charlton Andiego welcomed the move to have patrol boats in the lake to enhance security.
Andiego urged the county government to move with speed and build boats that will be used with the distributed engines for the benefit of the locals.
By Brian Ondeng’
