Low business as winds shy to speak to hyacinth

Rescuers with victims who had been trapped by hyacinth at Wagusu beach in Bondo, Siaya County. Kenya Marine Fisheries Institute has raised concern over disrupted transport and fishing activites in Lake Victoria as more than 3,000 hectares are covered by the weed. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

December has typically been synonymous with tourist boom — when local and international visitors flock to the lake side town to enjoy fresh fish, boat rides and other recreational activities.

This, however, remains a mirage this year as the stubborn water hyacinth weed has conspired to deny investors business.

The most affected are boat ride operators at Dunga, Hippo Point and other beaches along Lake Victoria.

“We were hoping and praying that strong winds would blow the weed away to enable us navigate in peace but fate turned against us,” said Joseph Ochieng, a coxswain at Lwang’ni beach.

"Our boats are grounded."

Ochieng is not alone. Hoteliers selling fish in the famous beach joints are also crying.

The price of fish remains between Sh800 and Sh3,000, depending on the size. There's been low turn out of customers.

“Most people prefer eating fish here because of the scenic view of the lake," said Prisca Ogindo, an hotelier.

"Looks like people hate seeing what resembles a big farm, they no longer come in large numbers.” 

The situation is the same at Dunga Hill camp which hundreds of people used to throng, especially in the evening, to view hippopotamuses playing in the water. But with the hyacinth covering the lake, this is now not possible.

Last year, the county government organised a fish fiesta festival at the site which attracted hundreds of residents.

“Last year, it was better and we could make between Sh10,000 and Sh30,000 a day from boat rides,” said Joseph Ouko.

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) says the weed's coverage increased by about 1,100 hectares in the past one month. It now covers about 14,000 hectares of the lake.

But despite the weed battering the economy of the region the national and county governments have remained tight-lipped on finding a lasting solution.

Only the winds speak, but unfortunately they have also gone silent.