Bad tidings for mat maker as swamp choked

Locals wade through Yala Swamp in Siaya County to harvest papyrus reeds to make marts on May 25, 2015. For decades, Christine Odugo has been wading through shallow Lake Kanyaboli waters to harvest the reeds. But lately, the reeds are on decline. [PHOTO BY: HEZRON OCHIEL/STANDARD]

For decades, Christine Odugo has been wading through the shallow Lake Kanyaboli waters to harvest papyrus reeds to make mats.

The Kanyaboli waters are not safe, for the lake is home to deadly pythons. But Odugo, 64, dares fate everyday in an effort to feed her family.

In this region, most locals automatically become fishmongers, however, Odugo went against the obvious and picked a unique money making venture; making mats.

When dusk falls, Kanyaboli in Siaya County, becomes another world, as desperate young energetic men and women make their way through the shallow waters to catch fish.

On the other side of the lake, Odugo spins her mats, a business, she says, is less attractive to many because of huge risks involved.

“The business has enabled me to build a house for my family and even educate my children. I have also bought a bicycle to ferry the items to the market,’’ says Odugo.

The mother of four is frequently on her bike ferrying her mats to Siaya town.

While the business has been thriving for years, now, Odugo has realised a real threat might force her to think of another way to make money. She barely gets enough reeds for her business. In previous years, Yala Swamp where Kanyaboli – Africa’s second largest oxbow lake - derives its water from, has been witnessing increased human activity.

The activity has subsequently threatened survival of reeds and other flora and fauna. As the reeds dwindle, fish have also reduced forcing locals to opt for farming.

“Every morning we wake up to find the reeds burnt down by people who want to create room to grow crops. If the trend continues, there will be no reeds and we will be thrown out of business,’’ says a worried Odugo.

“The swamp water levels have receded by 150 metres. The water is also contaminated with chemicals leading to infertility among the fish,’’ says Ambrose Ongwen of Seeds of Peace Africa.

“We are worried that if the destruction continues, locals will lose their source of livelihood and be pushed to become squatters,’’ he added.

It is against this backdrop that the residents, with support from local organisations have scheduled a half marathon in August, as well as conducting fundraising in the region, to help restore the wetland.