Thousands left jobless as weed invades 30 beaches

Residents of Homa Bay town struggle with water hyacinth to obtain water for washing their items at Homa Bay Pire Beach in Lake Victoria on August 16,2106. more than 5,000 Fishermen and transport operators have been renders jobless after the water hyacinth invaded a number of beaches in lake Victoria. BY JAMES OMORO

Traders and fishermen are unable to access 30 beaches in Lake Victoria as they have been blocked by water hyacinth.

The weed has paralysed fishing activities and marine passenger transport, rendering thousands of people jobless, Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials said.

Speaking to The Standard in Homa Bay town yesterday, the affected groups asked the county government to budget for the removal of the weed that has invaded beaches in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay, Rangwe and Mbita sub-counties.

Charles Juma, a businessman, said for the weed to be completely removed, youths must be involved.

"Many methods applied in removing the weed have failed for more than 19 years. Let both the county and national governments engage us to remove it manually," said Juma.

He argued that manual removal of the weed would also create jobs for the youth besides providing remedy for reducing multiplication of the weed.

County Beach Management Network Chairman Edward Oremo said the weed was causing poverty among Lake Victoria dependents in the county.

"Each of these beaches has about 500 people who depend on the Lake directly through either fishing or transport sector. But it is very unfortunate that they have been forced to stay without a living for about one month without earning a living," Mr Oremo said.

He urged the county government to provide funds for hiring people who can remove the weed manually.

"Waiting for mechanical and biological methods will take a long time, which may increase poverty in the county. Let our people be engaged in removing the weed with their hands," he added.

Some of the beaches affected are Ndhuru, Alum, Koginga and Rambira. The Standard visited Homa Bay Pier Beach where many people who operate in various sectors in the lake narrated their tribulations.

Fishermen said had driven them out of business.

"Water hyacinth does not allow any boat movement. The worst thing is that we don't have the means to pay house rent and for food," said Maxwel Onyango, a fisherman.

He said they are forced to scramble for fish obtained from Suba sub-county and Migori County beaches. This has led to a shortage of 50 per cent price hike.

"We buy fish at exorbitant prices so we also have to do the same when selling it," said Pamela Akinyi, a fishmonger. George Otieno, a transporter, said more than 60 passenger and cargo boat operators had also been rendered jobless.

"We used to earn at least Sh3,000 per day but we now lack where to earn a living," he said.