Investors warned on pollution
May 13, 2008
PROFESSOR Tarsis Kabwegyere, the disaster preparedness minister, has warned investors against polluting water bodies. The minister complained that pollution was the major factor undermining the fish sector, one of the top foreign exchange earners.
By Jeff Lule
PROFESSOR Tarsis Kabwegyere, the disaster preparedness minister, has warned investors against polluting water bodies. The minister complained that pollution was the major factor undermining the fish sector, one of the top foreign exchange earners.
“Pollution has been the leading problem in this country and the leading factor on the scarcity of fish.
“I think our industrial waste producers should have their heads checked.
“They have poisoned and affected all creatures thus putting our lives at stake,†Kabwegyere said in an interview after a fish symposium meeting at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Conference Hall at Lugogo in Kampala.
He said investors must take into consideration the protection of the environment because it was the backbone of the economy and health. Kabwegyere added that there was need to support aquaculture farming to increase the production of fish.
“Today, Ugandans depend on fish bones because much of the fish is exported.
“We need to support fish farming to increase production locally and on international markets.
“It is a very lucrative investment once given a chance.â€
Dr. Olaho Mukani, the director of animal resources in the agriculture ministry, said a Fisheries Act being drafted would protect water bodies from being poisoned.
“Fish production is too low. This has led some factories to close.
“We have embarked on supporting aquaculture farming to boost fish production,†Mukani said.
According to a top official from the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association, fish supply shortages have forced six processing companies to close down.
PROFESSOR Tarsis Kabwegyere, the disaster preparedness minister, has warned investors against polluting water bodies. The minister complained that pollution was the major factor undermining the fish sector, one of the top foreign exchange earners.
“Pollution has been the leading problem in this country and the leading factor on the scarcity of fish.
“I think our industrial waste producers should have their heads checked.
“They have poisoned and affected all creatures thus putting our lives at stake,†Kabwegyere said in an interview after a fish symposium meeting at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Conference Hall at Lugogo in Kampala.
He said investors must take into consideration the protection of the environment because it was the backbone of the economy and health. Kabwegyere added that there was need to support aquaculture farming to increase the production of fish.
“Today, Ugandans depend on fish bones because much of the fish is exported.
“We need to support fish farming to increase production locally and on international markets.
“It is a very lucrative investment once given a chance.â€
Dr. Olaho Mukani, the director of animal resources in the agriculture ministry, said a Fisheries Act being drafted would protect water bodies from being poisoned.
“Fish production is too low. This has led some factories to close.
“We have embarked on supporting aquaculture farming to boost fish production,†Mukani said.
According to a top official from the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association, fish supply shortages have forced six processing companies to close down.