By JAMES OMORO
Homabay,Kenya:After first attempt failed, management now plans to use manual, mechanical and biological methods
Another major project to rid lake Victoria of the notorious hyacinth is on.
And this time, the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme (LVEMP) is determined to eradicate the weed, which has been a menace to those depending on fishing in Homa Bay County. After the first project flopped, the organisation will now use mechanical, biological and manual methods to remove the weed, which invaded the lake more than a decade ago.
So far, application of the biological method is already in progress at Koginga and Seka beaches in Homa Bay and Rachuonyo North Districts respectively. The process involves introduction of weevils into the lake to feed on the hyacinth.
buy machine
However, LVEMP II Water Specialist John Okungu said they were contemplating buying a machine at the end of the year to be used to alleviate the weed.
But before then, plans are on to hire one from the Kenya Water Corporation next month once an agreement between the two organisations is reached.
The machine is expected to remove both the water hyacinth and other plants which accompany it as compared to the biological method in which the weevils feed on the hyacinth alone. “We are also going use manual removal in areas where the hyacinth infestation is mild. All these means will ensure efficiency in eradicating the weed,” he said.
The project is carried out in collaboration between the Government and the World Bank.
The World Bank’s Environment and Natural Resources Specialist Stephen Ling said the project will open up Kenya for other investments.
Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti said his government is going to accord LVEMP II the requisite support, adding that he hopes the project would now stop the weed.
“Lake Victoria is the main source of livelihood for residents of Homa Bay County,” Mr Awiti said.
