By Lake Zone Watch Reporter
Fishermen in Rorya district in Mara region plying their trade in Lake Victoria have been ordered to surrender their illegal fishing tools – especially nets – within seven days or face punitive action.
Mara Regional Commissioner Col. Evans Mtambi, on a visit of Rorya district on Tuesday, gave the directive in efforts to tame the scourge of illegal fishing in Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
Addressing a public meeting at Tai ward in the district, he directed the fishermen to handover the unauthorized fishing nets and other equipment to law enforcement agencies within the stipulated period before the launch of manhunt.
“All the unwanted fishing nets must be destroyed. I give a grace period of seven days for any fisherman using such nets to give oneself up or else what will happen to you don’t blame the government,” Col Mtambi warned, urging Rorya District Commissioner Juma Chikoka to supervise the exercise.
Rorya is one of Mara region’s districts bordering Lake Victoria whose residents engage in fishing as one of their major economic activities.
Col Mtambi also had the opportunity to hear public complaints which he gave explanations in seeking their solutions.