Fishermen at Port Bell in Luzira are calling on the government to urgently address the issue of water hyacinth that has invaded Lake Victoria, making it difficult for them to fish and threatening their livelihoods.
The fishermen claim they have tried everything possible to remove the invasive weed but have been unsuccessful. They voiced their concerns during a meeting organized by the area mayor, Paul Mugambe, to assess the challenges affecting the lake and surrounding communities.
Port Bell is one of the key landing sites in Luzira, but the area has become almost inaccessible due to the overwhelming presence of water hyacinth. Local leaders have been working with the community to improve sanitation and cleanliness in the area, but the water hyacinth problem has proven to be a significant challenge.
The fishermen expressed frustration, stating that the weed spreads rapidly, covering the lake within minutes of being cleared. Despite their efforts, the weed continues to hinder their work, making it nearly impossible to fish.
During the meeting, Mayor Paul Mugambe acknowledged the severity of the problem and assured the community that the government is aware of the issue. He also highlighted the presence of two KCCA boats tasked with clearing the water hyacinth but admitted that more needs to be done.
Residents in the area have long complained about the water hyacinth, which not only affects fishing but also contributes to water pollution. The fishermen are now appealing to the government to intervene and clear the lake at least twice a year to ensure their livelihoods are not completely destroyed.
Mayor Mugambe also addressed the broader issue of pollution in the lake, urging residents to stop dumping waste into the water. He emphasized that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation has had to increase water treatment costs due to the high levels of pollution caused by waste and water hyacinth.
The fishermen and local leaders are hopeful that with government intervention, the lake can be restored to its former state, allowing them to continue their work and sustain their families.
