• Nyong'o noted that they were greatly concerned by the massive losses incurred by the cage fish farmers.
• He noted that this is because they offer employment to many people and help supplement fish supplies in the market.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Cage fish farmers in Lake Victoria who lost their fish in the last few weeks are set to benefit from Sh3 million fingerings and feeds courtesy of the Kisumu County Government.
Governor Anyang Nyong'o that they had already mapped out all the affected beaches and cages and will procure fingerings worth Sh2 million and feeds worth Sh1 million that will be distributed to the affected fish farmers.
He said they have been receiving reports from fishermen at different points in Kisumu East, Kisumu West and Seme Sub counties of fish kills.
"In Othaya Beach alone, the investors reported losses estimated at Sh 40 million, there have also been reports fish dying around the Pier, Usoma, Genge, Dunga among other beaches".
Nyong'o noted that they were greatly concerned by the massive losses incurred by the cage fish farmers.
He noted that this is because they offer employment to many people and help supplement fish supplies in the market.
The Governor added that the restock is meant to help the cage fish farmers from the losses they incurred.
"As we count the losses, I appeal to the fish farmers to ensure proper and scientific disposal of the dead fish to avoid further pollution," he said.
The governor also expressed his concern at the continued pollution of the lake despite many past interventions.
While Lake Victoria is a victim of industrial run-off upstream, Nyong'o instructed officers at the department of environment to tighten surveillance to ensure compliance by local industries.
"I wish to issue fresh instructions to entities mandated with environmental safety and safeguards to round up and prosecute individuals and owners of factories polluting our water bodies".
He added: "I propose that it was high time we came with tougher legislations both in the National and County Assemblies to deal with Environmental pollution".
He added that they also plan to kick off a multi-stake holders' approach to address pollution of the lake and the environment.
"We want to engage stakeholders on how to save Lake Victoria. This initiative will be championed by the county department of Water and Environment".
On the short- and long-term solution, Nyong'o added that they plan to kick off a campaign Proper assessment of the capacity of the lake in regard to siting (location) of cage installation and compliance with set guidelines on proper siting of cages.
He stated that there will also be continued vigilance in management and treatment of waster waters, dealing decisively with pollutants and effluents in consideration to fish and human health.