Sh25b To Fight Water Hyacinth

By Charles ArikoTHE Egyptian Government has granted $13.9m (about sh25.2b) to fund the removal of the water hyacinth on Lake Kyoga and Albert.The Egyptian Ambassador, Maasoum Marzouk, said the money would be used to procure machines and train Ugandans on how to use them.“The essence of this project is to get rid of the water hyacinth that multiplies on these lakes and floats on River Nile. Egypt and Uganda have historical roots. This is one way of cementing our relationship for mutual benefit,” Marzouk said.He was recently speaking at a ceremony to hand over a $1,000 cheque to Masaka Islamic Institute.Marzouk said nine landing sites on the shores of Lake Kyoga are expected to be cleared soon to benefit the neighbouring local communities. He said Egypt had invested over $45m in various sectors in Uganda, adding that other sectors were being explored for investment opportunities.“President Yoweri Museveni visited Egypt recently. He talked to many businessmen who were impressed with Uganda’s economic development.Within the next few months, more Egyptian businessmen are going to invest here,” Marzouk said.Ends