Bugiri fish, ice plant abandoned

Sep 24, 2020

Salim Kalenzi, a fisherman, said when the premises were vacated due to flooding, locals vandalised the unguarded property for scrap metal and glass for sale

A multi-million fish handling plant at Wakawaka landing site in Bugiri district has been abandoned due to flooding.

When New Vision visited the fish handling facility and ice-making plant last week, residents were washing clothes in the water hyacinth-covered compound.

Bodaboda riders, too, took advantage of the water at the site to use it for washing their motorcycles.

Some of the tiled fish handling platforms at the facility have been removed, leaving gaping holes. The water purification section also had most pipes removed and the floor is littered with human excreta.

Salim Kalenzi, a fisherman, said when the premises were vacated due to flooding, locals vandalised the unguarded property for scrap metal and glass for sale."The fence was also cut at some sections.

Nowadays, the place is a playground for children," Kalenzi said.

What Went Wrong?

Maimuma Nabwire, a councillor for Bulidha sub-county, said the plant had been a source of ice, sold at sh500 per kilogramme.

She added that this ice was essential for preserving fish."The facility, which operated under the Lake Basin Company, has been in existence since 1994. Business was good, but the recent crackdown on illegal fishing reduced supply," she said.

Araphat Odoi, a fisherman, said initially, boats would dock at the adjacent pier, to bring in fish, but he added that that was nolonger the case."There are marines all over the lake who keep harassing us and burning our boats and nets," Odoi said.

Nabwire said the flooding broke the back of the facility, whose client-base had also dwindled.Adam Ndyambi, the Bulidha LC3 chairperson, said management did not formally inform authorities about their status, but simply disappeared.

"As local leaders, we knew ice was still being made here. It is unfortunate that the place was just abandoned," he added.

Way forward

Asuman Waidha, the LC1 chairperson, said an enforcement team has been mandated with patrolling the premises at night, to keep off intruders.Azalwa Marijan, the Bugiri district chairperson, said the district will set up a committee to establish the status of the abandoned plant.

"This is a Government establishment which cannot be left to go to waste. In the meantime, we have received some development partners who will put it to use once the flood waters recede," Marijan said.

Residents speak out

Ibra Mutamba, resident
The plant was a symbol of development for Wakawaka. It is a shame that it is now almost in ruins

Sarah Kaudha, resident
If the authorities had made an effort to contain the floods, the plant would still be standing. It is a sad sight

Enock Batamye, bodaboda rider
It is a pity that such a beneficial plant has been vandalised and abandoned. Local leaders could have done better to save it

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