The County government of Migori will soon launch various programmes to help tackle the water hyacinth menace in Lake Victoria.
Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko while presiding over the issuance of four fish cages, three motorcycles, and 400 hundred life jackets to Luanda Konyango beach in Nyatike Sub-County acknowledged the problems brought by water hyacinth.
Achilo said that the county government would deliberate on the issue and come up with a solution that would solve the water hyacinth problem once and for all.
He further elaborated on the county’s plans on promoting the blue economy by creating an industrial park to boost the fishing industry in the county.
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock Lucas Mosenda outlined the county government’s commitment to ensure that communities around Lake Victoria have sustainable food and livelihood sources.
He acknowledged that the water hyacinth at Luanda Konyango beach has been a menace for the local fishermen but promised that the county together with various stakeholders will soon address the issue.
Alice Adhiambo, a fishmonger at Luanda Konyango Beach asked the Migori County government to step in and aid in cleaning the lake explaining that the presence of water hyacinth is detrimental to fishermen.
On his part, Nelson Onyango a fisherman in Luanda Beach also claimed that the presence of water hyacinth has led to the emergence of dangerous wild animals like hippopotamus and crocodiles that pose a threat to the Fishermen. He added that the high presence of water weeds has also led to the reduction in the number of fish on Luanda Konyango beach.
By Elikana Ochuodho and Geoffrey Makokha
