Digging sand at lakeshores may lead to fish scarcity

Feb 17, 2008

THE removal of sand from the lake shores may contribute to scarcity of fish, according to George Wasonga, the Project Manager of Lake Victoria Regional Authority Cooperation (LVRAC). <br>He said fish breeds in shallow waters near the lakeshores and the removal of the sand from such place disturbs t

By Gladys Kalibbala

THE removal of sand from the lake shores may contribute to scarcity of fish, according to George Wasonga, the Project Manager of Lake Victoria Regional Authority Cooperation (LVRAC).
He said fish breeds in shallow waters near the lakeshores and the removal of the sand from such place disturbs this pattern.

This followed reports from Bugonga landing site in Entebbe Municipality, which showed that some people in the surroundings have been digging up sand from the lakeshores and taking it to use in building. Concerned residents said people come late in the evening or over the weekend with pick-ups and take the sand away.

“By removing that sand, a lot of eggs belonging to fish may be destroyed and the greenish plant, which grows around the shores and is eaten by fish will also be destroyed leaving them with no food at all,” Wasonga said.

A survey around the landing-site showed that when sand is removed from the shores, it gives room to rain water to flow directly in the lake, making it dirty.
When The New Vision visited Bugonga landing site, heaps of sand were seen near the shores ready to be transported while gaping holes were seen where sand had been removed.

“Scientifically the dirty water prevents sun rays from going deeper into the waters thus preventing oxygen from getting to the fish which affects their survival,” Wasonga said.

Wasonga added that the gaping holes that are left after sand is dug up act as mosquitoes breeding areas. Not surprising, malaria is a common ailment in Entebbe.

It is common for the community around Bugonga landing site to carry their clothes and wash near the lake and pour soapy water into it, yet it is bad for fish. Women found washing clothes at the shores claimed it was cheaper and less tiresome for them as they did not have to pay for water or fetch it in jerrycans.

Wasonga called upon the Beach Management Unit in the area to combine forces with the municipal council’s environmental officials to fight the bad culture, which is causing the nation a decrease in fish.

The officer concerned with environmental matters at Entebbe Municipal Council, Samson Semakula, said removing sand from the lake is illegal and warned that once someone is caught, they will be charged in court.
He said the Council abolished digging sand near the lake in 2002.

He added that those intending to build should buy sand from the many sand mines around Nalugala and other places in Siisa instead of destroying the fish breeding areas.

“People intending to build make holes in the sand in many places which not only look ugly but act as hiding places for thieves,” Semakula said.

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