Fisher folks at Kamuwunga landing site in Kalungu district have protested against a contractor hired to desilt the Lake . They claim that contractor has instead blocked most of the docking points at and community access routes. Achilles Kiwanuka Lutaaya, one of the fisherfolks in the area, argues that despite the substantial investment, the project is yet to benefit them due to the apparent poor disposal of the removed floating materials.
He observes that over time, the contractor has been heaping the removed aquatic weeds along the shores of the landing site, without working out modalities for destroying them. He heaps decomposing water weeds have been dumped all over the docking points.Kiwanuka claims that they have repeatedly engaged the employees of Aziz Contractors Limited, the firm undertaking the project, pleading to have the mess sorted out but in vain.
Ibrahim Magunda, the Vice Chairperson for the fishermen in the area, observes that given its strategic location in Lwera wetland, the landing site serves as the main fishing ground for tilapia and catfish in Kalungu district. But he argues that the ongoing project works are hampering fishing activities, affecting the livelihoods.
He urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries to conduct a thorough assessment of the project works to ensure that the local communities are equally satisfied with the work done.
Joseph Walakira, another fisherman at the landing site, has appealed to the project supervising agencies to intervene and resolve the controversy. He warned that out of frustration; the affected fishermen may be prompted to throw back the weeds into the water.
He argues that at the launch of the project, the Former State Minister for Fisheries, Hellen Ondoa, indicated that the removed weeds would be crushed to make fertilisers, biogas and animal feeds, but the promise has never been fulfilled, hence clogging the area. E mployees of Aziz Contractors Limited, a firm that is clearing the landing site, declined to comment about the grievances, saying that they are accountable to the Ministry with which they entered into the contract-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
