The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has initiated an extensive campaign to educate communities around Lake Victoria about the importance of maritime safety in an effort to reduce the increasing number of boat accidents.
Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire emphasized the urgent need for relevant authorities to take action to address the accidents occurring in the lake, which result in numerous fatalities each year in the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Dr. Bwire noted that the commission has already begun implementing measures, including the establishment of rescue coordination centers in all three countries, with the main facility being constructed in Mwanza, in the United Republic of Tanzania.
He highlighted that once these centers are operational, they will enable faster reporting of accidents and prompt rescue efforts, among other advantages.
“This lake should not be a gateway to the grave, it should not be a source of loss of life for the East African Community, but rather a source of economic prosperity. We want to come here for significant development and economic projects, not just to mourn deaths,” stated Dr. Bwire.
Bereaved residents of Igundu village, Bunda District in the United Republic of Tanzania.
He expressed concern over the tragic incidents in Igundu over the past two years, which resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, including 13 students from Bulomba Primary School, stressing the need to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The Commission provided twenty SOLAS-approved life jackets, which were handed over in Igundu for use by residents engaged in water transport.
A resident of Igundu village in Bunda district is taught how to use a life jacket.
Bunda District Commissioner Dr. Vincent Naano, who received the life jackets at the district headquarters, acknowledged that a significant portion of the local population depends on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods. Consequently, transportation and activities on the lake are common, despite the frequent accidents that lead to fatalities
“Accidents occur during travel or other activities, resulting in many losses; indeed, there are deaths every month. We have identified that some of these fatalities are due to non-compliance with safe maritime transport regulations,” he remarked
Ends.
