# data[].attributes.headline
Opinion: Car wash in Lake Victoria hazardous to aquatic life http://www.hivisasa.com/kisumu/opinion/90791

# data[].attributes.subject
Opinion: Car wash in Lake Victoria hazardous to aquatic life http://www.hivisasa.com/kisumu/opinion/90791

# data[].attributes.headline
Impunity in Pollution control from Car washing in Kisumu, Kenya

# data[].attributes.subject
Impunity in Pollution control from Car washing in Kisumu, Kenya

# data[].attributes.body
"We have not been able to tame washing of vehicles inside the lake because of lack of political support," said Saisi of NEMA. "We are dealing with hooligans who are politically connected," Antony Saisi, Kisumu County Director of Environment at the Kenyan government's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

# data[].attributes.headline
Locals worried over L. Victoria pollution | Monitor Uganda

# data[].attributes.subject
Locals worried over L. Victoria pollution | Monitor Uganda

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Friday February 20 2015

In Summary

Concern. Locals say polythene bags and human waste are being disposed into the lake and government is doing nothing about it

Advertisement

By HENRY LUBULWA

Too much waste being dropped into Lake Victoria, especially at landing sites in Kalangala District, has turned the water yellow.

A lot of rubbish can be seen floating on the water on Bugoma Kagulube, Kibaale and Bwendero landing sites. The chairman of Bugoma Trading Centre, Mr Charles Ssentongo, said a lot of waste, including polythene bags and human waste, has been dropped into the lake.

"This is where we get water for domestic use. However, no one cares about the quality of water we get from there. Many throw waste, including faeces, since they do not have pit-latrines in their homesteads," Mr Ssentongo said recently.
The district health inspector, Mr Edward Bugimbi, said many landing sites have no pit-latrines, which he said has led to diseases such as diarrhoea, bilharzia and dysentery.

"All our efforts to have people construct public toilets have failed since many think latrines are constructed by the district leaders for the population that votes the leaders into offices," Mr Bigimbi said.

He added that although there has been much sensitisation about the establishing of waste disposal points, the public still thinks it is the mandate of the district leaders. "We at one time decided to close landing sites that do not have pit latrines but were failed by the political leaders since residents reported us to their leaders," Mr Bugimbi said.

The programme officer of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists, Mr David Kureeba, said pollution in the lake is being done in broad day light and the authorities are doing nothing about it.

"It will cost the country much more money to reclaim Lake Victoria if it continues to deteriorate at this rate," he said.

A lake in danger
Environment analysts say pollution in parts of Lake Victoria is worsening and soon it may be impossible to treat its waters enough to provide drinking water for Kampala city's rising population.
Fisheries experts say heavy concentrations of pollutants such as phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals and faecal matter all pile into the lake, killing certain fish species. Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake by area, with a surface area of 68,800 square kilometres.

advertisement

5 hours ago

Mwesigwa replaced Assistant Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba in July last year and has

10 hours ago

Minister Ecweru denied any suggestion of a financial motive for taking in the migrants

Concern. Locals say polythene bags and human waste are being disposed into the lake and government is doing nothing about it

Advertisement

By HENRY LUBULWA

Too much waste being dropped into Lake Victoria, especially at landing sites in Kalangala District, has turned the water yellow.

A lot of rubbish can be seen floating on the water on Bugoma Kagulube, Kibaale and Bwendero landing sites. The chairman of Bugoma Trading Centre, Mr Charles Ssentongo, said a lot of waste, including polythene bags and human waste, has been dropped into the lake.

"This is where we get water for domestic use. However, no one cares about the quality of water we get from there. Many throw waste, including faeces, since they do not have pit-latrines in their homesteads," Mr Ssentongo said recently.
The district health inspector, Mr Edward Bugimbi, said many landing sites have no pit-latrines, which he said has led to diseases such as diarrhoea, bilharzia and dysentery.

"All our efforts to have people construct public toilets have failed since many think latrines are constructed by the district leaders for the population that votes the leaders into offices," Mr Bigimbi said.

He added that although there has been much sensitisation about the establishing of waste disposal points, the public still thinks it is the mandate of the district leaders. "We at one time decided to close landing sites that do not have pit latrines but were failed by the political leaders since residents reported us to their leaders," Mr Bugimbi said.

The programme officer of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists, Mr David Kureeba, said pollution in the lake is being done in broad day light and the authorities are doing nothing about it.

"It will cost the country much more money to reclaim Lake Victoria if it continues to deteriorate at this rate," he said.

A lake in danger
Environment analysts say pollution in parts of Lake Victoria is worsening and soon it may be impossible to treat its waters enough to provide drinking water for Kampala city's rising population.
Fisheries experts say heavy concentrations of pollutants such as phosphates, nitrates, heavy metals and faecal matter all pile into the lake, killing certain fish species. Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake by area, with a surface area of 68,800 square kilometres.

5 hours ago

Mwesigwa replaced Assistant Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba in July last year and has

10 hours ago

Minister Ecweru denied any suggestion of a financial motive for taking in the migrants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Locals worried over L. Victoria pollution

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Friday February 20 2015 Concern. Locals say polythene bags and human waste are being disposed into the lake and government is doing nothing about it Advertisement By HENRY LUBULWA Too much waste being dropped into Lake Victoria, especially at landing sites in Kalangala District, has turned the water yellow.

# data[].attributes.headline
Car Washing: A Human-Induced Challenge to the Future of Lake Victoria’s Wetland Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
Car Washing: A Human-Induced Challenge to the Future of Lake Victoria’s Wetland Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Kimbowa Richard, The East African Sustainability Watch Network
Wetlands are one of the fragile ecosystems that require to be conserved as countries develop due to tangible and non-tangible benefits now and in the future. They purify and replenish our water, and provide the fish and rice that feed billions. Wetlands act as a natural sponge against flooding and drought, and protect our coastlines. They burst with biodiversity, and are a vital means of storing carbon

Unfortunately, these benefits are not widely known. Often viewed as wasteland, 64% of the global wetlands have disappeared since 1900, according to the Ramsar (Wetlands Convention) Secretariat.

Therefore, the 2015 International Wetlands day on the theme 'Wetlands for the Future' comes as no surprise. For example in East Africa serious threats to wetlands arise from the need to meet the growing water, food, energy and other livelihood needs.

Lake Victoria wetlands: threatened sponges due to the fast growing urban population

According to the Ramsar (Wetlands) Convention, there are over 2,000 Ramsar Sites on the territories of over 160 Ramsar Contracting Parties across the world. For example the Lake Victoria basin hosts 6 of them including Lutembe, Mabamba and Lake Nabugabo wetlands systems; Nabajjuzi wetland system, and the Sango bay - Musambwa Island- Kagera wetland system.

However, Ramsar sites that are globally recognised are only part of the web that also includes smaller and 'less important' ones, which face considerable pressure and greed due to human induced activities. These form part of the drainage system (rivers, streams, bays and other natural water reservoirs) that are under considerable stress.

Ramsar sites of international importance: Under threat though we need to increase coverage

A key commitment of Ramsar Contracting Parties is to identify and place suitable wetlands onto the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The Contracting Parties confirmed in 2005 that their vision for the Ramsar List is "to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and benefits/services". This vision reflects the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, which describes ecosystems as the complex of living communities (including human communities) and non-living environment (ecosystem components) interacting (through ecological processes) as a functional unit which provides, among other things, a variety of benefits to people (ecosystem services).

Unfortunately, Ramsar sites are under substantive threats from human induced pressures. For example Lutembe wetland system hosts over 70% of the global population of white-winged black terns (Chlidonias leucopterus), large numbers of the grey-headed gulls (Larus cirrocepharus), black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) and gull-billed terns (Sterna nilotica). However, Lutembe wetland system is threatened by agro-chemicals that have now been detected in the waters which if not controlled, will pollute the waters and not only threaten the fish stocks, but human beings as well.

Car washing: a micro-level human induced activity on wetlands in the L.Victoria basin

Car washing in Lake Victoria is unsightly in many towns and cities like Kampala, Kisumu and Mwanza. This illegal activity goes on unabated despite the presence of institutions, policies and laws that ought to deter it. This has resulted in release of waste water that affects water quality, fish breeding, and contributes to eutrophication of our interconnected natural water reservoirs.

Despite several threats (for example in 2012, NEMA Kenya barred car washing in the Lake), the seemingly small scale practice is cumulatively going on unabated, threatening livelihoods (pollution of water supply, destruction of fish breeding sites, destruction of wetlands among others)

Petition to invoke the laws and policies to deter car washing in Lake Victoria

It is in the above regard that the East Africa Sustainability Watch Network is now petitioning NEMA (Uganda), NEMA (Kenya), the National Environment Management Council (Tanzania), the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, city and town authorities as well as other Local authorities around Lake Victoria to make a difference for the health of our heritage by acting on those that are abusing the established laws and policies.

The Petition seeks have all existing laws and policies to deter car washing in Lake Victoria invoked by these mandated institutions, to offset pressure on Lake Victoria wetlands and its declining health so as to improve the livelihoods of the over 30 million dependent communities across East Africa.

Click here to read more about and sign up Petition to NEMA (Kenya), NEMA (Uganda) and NEMC (Tanzania) to invoke the laws and policies to deter car washing in Lake Victoria from here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Car Washing: A Human-Induced Challenge to the Future of Lake Victoria's Wetland Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Kimbowa Richard, The East African Sustainability Watch Network Wetlands are one of the fragile ecosystems that require to be conserved as countries develop due to tangible and non-tangible benefits now and in the future. They purify and replenish our water, and provide the fish and rice that feed billions.

# data[].attributes.body
http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/lobby-fights-save-lake

# data[].attributes.headline
Lobby petitions Nema to enforce laws against car washing

# data[].attributes.subject
Lobby petitions Nema to enforce laws against car washing

# data[].attributes.headline
		
						
									MPs to Nema Uganda: Why are you so toothless?
							
						
		

# data[].attributes.subject
		
						
									MPs to Nema Uganda: Why are you so toothless?
							
						
		

# data[].attributes.headline
MPs accuse Nema Uganda of failing to stop wetland abuse

# data[].attributes.subject
MPs accuse Nema Uganda of failing to stop wetland abuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wednesday January 21 2015

In Summary

Legislators call for cancellation of titles in wetlands.

Advertisement

By Mercy Nalugo

Legislators on the Parliamentary Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) have accused the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) of failing to stop the continued degradation of major wetlands in the country.

Meeting a team from Nema officials led by the acting executive director, Mr Musoke Sawula yesterday, the MPs rated the body as the worst performing government entity even as the team defended itself, saying it is overstretched with limited staff.

"Nema is among the worst performing government entities because people are degrading wetlands and excavating everywhere with the support of Nema," Mr Ibrahim Ssemuju, the Cosase committee chairperson, said.

The MPs cited wetlands in Kinawataka, Banda, Kanyanya and Lwera in Lukaya that are being destroyed as Nema looks on. "Let us see the cancellation of those titles of those that constructed on wetlands and letters from Nema stopping the degradation of Kinawataka, Lukaya and many others. Your orders should not remain threats but must be put into implementation," Mr Ssemuju said.

Mr Moses Kasibante, the Rubaga North MP, wondered how Nema failed to keep records of wetlands across the country after the officials could not tell the committee how many wetlands there are.

Mr John Ssimbwa (Makindye East) blamed the environment body for failing to demarcate and degazette wetlands attracting people to occupy them.

In his response, however, Mr Sawula said: "The current status of the demarcation and management of wetlands is due to the administrative decision that was taken by the Ministry of Water and Environment. This decision was implemented and subsequently a vote function for this activity was provided for the ministry."

He said the wetland management department has already embarked on the demarcations of the wetlands in the country.

Meanwhile, the committee while handling Nema's Auditor General's report for the financial year 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, revealed that one company where the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire is director, is being accused of renting Nema premises and disappearing without paying rent amounting to Shs15m.

Mr Otafiire could not be reached for a comment yesterday but the MPs have directed Nema officials to recover the money.

mnalugo@ug.nationmedia.com

advertisement

5 hours ago

Mwesigwa replaced Assistant Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba in July last year and has

10 hours ago

Minister Ecweru denied any suggestion of a financial motive for taking in the migrants

Legislators call for cancellation of titles in wetlands.

Advertisement

By Mercy Nalugo

Legislators on the Parliamentary Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) have accused the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) of failing to stop the continued degradation of major wetlands in the country.

Meeting a team from Nema officials led by the acting executive director, Mr Musoke Sawula yesterday, the MPs rated the body as the worst performing government entity even as the team defended itself, saying it is overstretched with limited staff.

"Nema is among the worst performing government entities because people are degrading wetlands and excavating everywhere with the support of Nema," Mr Ibrahim Ssemuju, the Cosase committee chairperson, said.

The MPs cited wetlands in Kinawataka, Banda, Kanyanya and Lwera in Lukaya that are being destroyed as Nema looks on. "Let us see the cancellation of those titles of those that constructed on wetlands and letters from Nema stopping the degradation of Kinawataka, Lukaya and many others. Your orders should not remain threats but must be put into implementation," Mr Ssemuju said.

Mr Moses Kasibante, the Rubaga North MP, wondered how Nema failed to keep records of wetlands across the country after the officials could not tell the committee how many wetlands there are.

Mr John Ssimbwa (Makindye East) blamed the environment body for failing to demarcate and degazette wetlands attracting people to occupy them.

In his response, however, Mr Sawula said: "The current status of the demarcation and management of wetlands is due to the administrative decision that was taken by the Ministry of Water and Environment. This decision was implemented and subsequently a vote function for this activity was provided for the ministry."

He said the wetland management department has already embarked on the demarcations of the wetlands in the country.

Meanwhile, the committee while handling Nema's Auditor General's report for the financial year 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, revealed that one company where the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire is director, is being accused of renting Nema premises and disappearing without paying rent amounting to Shs15m.

Mr Otafiire could not be reached for a comment yesterday but the MPs have directed Nema officials to recover the money.

mnalugo@ug.nationmedia.com

5 hours ago

Mwesigwa replaced Assistant Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba in July last year and has

10 hours ago

Minister Ecweru denied any suggestion of a financial motive for taking in the migrants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
MPs accuse Nema of failing to stop wetland abuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wednesday January 21 2015 Legislators call for cancellation of titles in wetlands. Advertisement By Mercy Nalugo Legislators on the Parliamentary Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) have accused the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) of failing to stop the continued degradation of major wetlands in the country.

# data[].attributes.headline
Editorial: Save LAke Victoria from pollution (The daily Monitor, Uganda)

# data[].attributes.subject
Editorial: Save LAke Victoria from pollution (The daily Monitor, Uganda)

# data[].attributes.body
What is clear is the sources of pollution are known. They range from encroachment on water catchments to industrial developments, and discharge of effluent into the lake and rivers: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Editorial/Save-L--Victoria-from-pollution/-/689360/2594592/-/14f6upv/-/index.html

# data[].attributes.headline
‘Lake Victoria waters polluted' - NAPE |  http://t.co/QmCSRUDww3 http://t.co/R0ArgpYBQm

# data[].attributes.subject
‘Lake Victoria waters polluted' - NAPE |  http://t.co/QmCSRUDww3 http://t.co/R0ArgpYBQm

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the viable alternatives to 'open car wash in  Lake Victoria?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the viable alternatives to 'open car wash in  Lake Victoria?

# data[].attributes.headline
Did You Know that in 2012, NEMA Kenya barred car washing on Lake Victoria?

# data[].attributes.subject
Did You Know that in 2012, NEMA Kenya barred car washing on Lake Victoria?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nema creates new space in town for youth engaged in the business

Car washing has been prohibited on the shores of Lake Victoria to curb pollution.

The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) has built five car-wash sites away from the lake in Kisumu's Kibuye, Kaloleni, Kisumu Polytechnic and in Kondele.

Nema wetlands officer Dan Ashitiva cited car-wash, farm fertilisers and industrial effluence as key pollutants of the lake, leading to formation of green algae that is a nightmare for fishermen and domestic users of Lake Victoria water.

"Youth who used to wash cars at Dunga, Luang'ni, Kaloka and Ogal on the lake shore have been moved to the new locations which have running water and proper drainage systems," Mr Ashitiva said.

He said the effect of the green algae on human health was yet to be established, but it had become a menace to those who rely on the lake water.

Apart from the green algae, pollution of the lake had caused massive deaths of fish and promoted the growth of water hyacinth.

Nema has been working closely with the Environment ministry to remove the algae, hippo grass and water hyacinth from the lake.

The authority's enforcement and compliance officer, Mr Anthony Saisi, said efforts to conserve the lake should begin with monitoring the activities on the land around it.

"The algae has compromised the freshness of the lake. It smells badly and affects aquatic life," he said.

Mr Saisi urged surrounding communities to avoid dumping waste in the lake.

Fishermen and sand harvesters on several beaches in Kisumu complained that the green algae causes them skin ailments and that they can no longer use lake water for cooking.

"The water smells and chokes people who work in the lake like sand harvesters," said a fisherman, Mr Joseph Alila.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Car washing barred on shores of Lake Victoria

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nema creates new space in town for youth engaged in the business Car washing has been prohibited on the shores of Lake Victoria to curb pollution. The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) has built five car-wash sites away from the lake in Kisumu's Kibuye, Kaloleni, Kisumu Polytechnic and in Kondele.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Complete, objective travel information on thousands of destinations, including photos and reviews. Add your own wiki-style contributions.

# data[].attributes.body
As towns in the basins have grown over the decades, so has the level of pollution that these settlements discharge into the local waterways. Local governments have been unable to adequately manage wastewater discharge.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bodabodas, TukTuk and bicycles are also culprits. 2015 - we need action from NEMA Kenya & NEMA Uganda!

# data[].attributes.subject
Bodabodas, TukTuk and bicycles are also culprits. 2015 - we need action from NEMA Kenya & NEMA Uganda!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kenya, Kisumu: Washing bikes in lake Victoria

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
many other things are washed in the lake, besides bikes: cars, cloths, dishes, and people themselves

# data[].attributes.headline
Fact: The number of private vehicles at Kichinjio beach (Kisumu) was found to be highest during lunch hour. Stopping motor vehicle washing in the lake is a priority activity. This calls for relocation of this and supportive activities (food vendors) to a distant location or the provision of waste water treatment before release into the lake  (Motor Vehicles: Are They Emerging Threats to Lake Victoria and its Environment? ByJoseph L. Awange & Benard Obera, 2006)

# data[].attributes.subject
Fact: The number of private vehicles at Kichinjio beach (Kisumu) was found to be highest during lunch hour. Stopping motor vehicle washing in the lake is a priority activity. This calls for relocation of this and supportive activities (food vendors) to a distant location or the provision of waste water treatment before release into the lake  (Motor Vehicles: Are They Emerging Threats to Lake Victoria and its Environment? ByJoseph L. Awange & Benard Obera, 2006)

# data[].attributes.headline
Car washing  (involving small and large vehicles) is one of the main causes of Lake Victoria pollution that affects water quality and fish breeding. It must stop!

# data[].attributes.subject
Car washing  (involving small and large vehicles) is one of the main causes of Lake Victoria pollution that affects water quality and fish breeding. It must stop!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In Kisumu, some anti-pollution funds have been secured to expand the water and sewage treatment plant within the city.

Car wash businesses being run by dozens of youth by the shores of the lake are also to be relocated to higher ground - as they have been identified as another source of pollution on the lake.

The Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda recently launched the Lake Victoria Commission to ensure the sustainable exploitation of such a precious resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC NEWS | In pictures: Lake pollution, Car wash

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In Kisumu, some anti-pollution funds have been secured to expand the water and sewage treatment plant within the city. Car wash businesses being run by dozens of youth by the shores of the lake are also to be relocated to higher ground - as they have been identified as another source of pollution on the lake.

# data[].attributes.body
Pollution on Lake Victoria has reached high levels and if not checked by all stakeholders, it could lead to destruction of fish breeding sites among other dangers. The Water hyacinth is a threat already. This weed is fed by the nutrients of the pollutants in the Lake. Watch this video.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Perceptions of Water hyacinth from East Africa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lake Victoria is a trans-boundary water body that serves all the 5 countries in the East African Community. Water hyacinth is a threat to this lake.Various voices from East Africa and beyond speak out in this video regarding the management of this water weed.

# data[].attributes.headline
NEMA in Kenya and Uganda should immediately implement existing laws and policies regarding management of Lake shores and rivers banks to stop pollution in Lake Victoria, as well as protection of fragile wetland ecosystems

# data[].attributes.subject
NEMA in Kenya and Uganda should immediately implement existing laws and policies regarding management of Lake shores and rivers banks to stop pollution in Lake Victoria, as well as protection of fragile wetland ecosystems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lake Victoria: pollution and the livelihood of car washers (by: Cara Pasquale, GWU MPH Candidate)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This video looks at the rising pollution levels of Lake Victoria and what Kenya is doing to curb pollution. Car washing along the lake has been identified as a source of pollution and the video explores if the new ban on car washing is an effective way to decrease the pollution in the lake.

# data[].attributes.headline
NEMA Uganda and NEMA Kenya should swing into action - enough with promises and threats. 2015 should be a year for cleaner beaches

# data[].attributes.subject
NEMA Uganda and NEMA Kenya should swing into action - enough with promises and threats. 2015 should be a year for cleaner beaches

# data[].attributes.headline
I pledge to ask KCCA and Kisumu County leadership to stop car washing in Kinawataka and Lwang' ni beach respectively, to save Lake Victoria from this aviodable pollution!

# data[].attributes.subject
I pledge to ask KCCA and Kisumu County leadership to stop car washing in Kinawataka and Lwang' ni beach respectively, to save Lake Victoria from this aviodable pollution!