Water hyacinth invades Lake Kwania

Feb 05, 2006

THE water hyacinth has re-invaded most of Lake Kwania in Apac district.

By Patrick Opio
THE water hyacinth has re-invaded most of Lake Kwania in Apac district.
Ojok-Ocen, the District Fisheries Officer, told The New Vision last week, that the notorious waterweed was threatening the water resources and other aquatic bio-diversity.
Ojok-ocen said the weed would hinder navigation at Masindi Port, Kayei fishing village and other landing sites.
He said the plant multiplies fast and its seeds are believed to survive up to 30 years.
The hyacinth is a green weed believed to have originated from South America. It floats freely on water and grows to about 1.5 feet high above the water surface.
Ojok-Ocen said mature and dead plants reduce the quantity of oxygen in the water on rotting, thus suffocating marine life.
“These weeds prevent sunlight from entering the water and air exchange is a problem,” he said.
He said the weeds would affect the fishing industry in terms of transport and low fish catches.
He said the floating vegetation would create a favourable condition for other breeding vector insect-borne diseases like malaria and bilharzia.
Ojok-Ocen advised fishermen and the community to physically remove the weeds.
“Local leaders from every fishing village should regularly mobilise the community to collect and burn the weeds,” he said.
Ojok-ocen said the plant natural enemies, especially insects would be used to destroy the weeds.
He said they could also use chemicals and herbicides but which should not be toxic to aquatic organism, wildlife and human beings.
Ends

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