Fishermen to gov’t: Extend demolitions to Lake Victoria’s riparian land

Fishermen in Lake Victoria want the government to extend the ongoing demolition of illegal structures on riparian land to beaches along the water body.

The fishermen say the move will boost efforts to save the beaches from encroachment by private developers who have been putting up illegal structures along the lake.

Led by the National Chairman of Lake Victoria Beach Management Unit Tom Guda, the fishermen on Tuesday urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and ensure that all riparian lands along the lake are protected to end the conflict between them and the private developers.

Speaking to Radio Ramogi, Guda mentioned Suba North, Homa Bay Town and Dunga Beach in Kisumu County as some of the areas highly affected by the encroachment.

He expressed worry on the pollution along the lake due to increased activities by the private developers and farmers doing their activities along the beaches which he laments have increased human animal conflicts.

Guda petitioned governors along the Lake Region of Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Busia counties to help in regulating issuance of beach plots to private developers in order to prevent encroachment on Lake Victoria.