State embarks on manual removal of hyacinth

By Baraka Karama

The Government has embarked on manual removal of water hyacinth from Lake Victoria.

Already, the Ministry of Environment through the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme (LVEMP II) has allocated Sh178 million for the exercise.

LVEMP II National Project Co-ordinator Francisca Owuor on Tuesday said the money allocated will fund a four-year programme during which the weed is expected to be removed.

Owuor said they have released Sh25 million to facilitate the manual removal of the weed in five locations in the lake region.

The targeted locations are, Kisumu Port, Sangora, Rakwaro, Usoma and Kusa areas.

Owuor said: "We are out to ensure we do away with the weed that has caused huge losses to businessmen within the region".

She said they resorted to manual means, saying it was quicker and short term but maintained LVEMP is also focusing on a long-term method of using weevils.

She said: "Vessels are stuck at Kisumu Port and the only way we can help the situation is to remove the weed manually."

The weed has affected fishing in the lake and more than 100 boat operators have been pushed out of business.

The weed has also been blamed for polluting the lake, leading to clogging of water intake filters.

Owuor said: "We want to do everything possible to save the lake by ensuring that its not polluted as this is responsible for the presence if the weed."