Hundreds of fishermen in Homa Bay in western Kenya have been rendered jobless by the invasion of the water hyacinth lake in Lake Victoria. The weed has covered large parts of the lake making it difficult for fishermen to navigate and catch fish. The fishermen have now resorted to other jobs like washing cars in the lake. “For the last one month, I have not been able to fish. I now wash cars to earn a living,” said John Otieno.
Prices of fish have skyrocketed as fishmongers have to travel to as far as Muhuru Bay and Mbita to get fish. “We have to double the prices since we travel far to get the fish,” said Alice Onyango, a fishmonger in Homa Bay town. However, some fishermen say the hyacinth is both a blessing and a curse. “It will give fish a chance to multiply because overfishing has affected the number of fish in the lake,” noted Odhiambo Ogengo, a fisherman.
Charles Runda of Shauri Yako Self Help Group wants the menace controlled once and for all. “This weed comes here annually despite the millions allocated by the government to control it. We are making losses and the government must intervene,” Runda said. The area’s hotel industry has also been hit by the shortage.
Ibrahim Oginga, Gracey Hotel’s manager, said tourists visit to get a view of the hyacinth. The weed which retreats to the shores and advances irregularly throughout the year has been around for several years.
2012 AllAfrica