As the search for the three fishermen who drowned at Lake Naivasha on August 12 goes on, authorities have lamented over the levels of irresponsibility depicted by a majority of fishermen as they go about their business.
Speaking after leading a government delegation to assess progress at the site where fishermen are busy trying to retrieve the bodies of their colleagues, County Fisheries and Agriculture executive Purity Muritu said some fishermen using the lake at night were not keen on adhering to standard safety measures.
The high profile delegation saw leaders and other government officials raise concern about the level of security measures put in place at the facility arguing that compromising security was like compromising lives.
“Many of fishermen who fish at night do it without security jackets while some overload their boats which is dangerous,” she said adding that the county had already purchased more life jackets which were handed to boat owners association.
The CeC reiterated on what governor Kinuthia promised last week that the County was in the process of securing services of professional divers to be deployed at different lakes across the County to offer available manpower in cases of such calamities.
Plans are also underway to ensure that fishing was only done before sunset which according to Muritu would not cause inconveniences as compared to fishing at night.
“It would be better if our fishermen adopted the system of casting their nets early then removing them before 5pm. Sticking to daytime fishing will help up in ensuring the fishermen keep to our security guidelines,” the CeC noted.
Security at Lake Naivasha has been an issue of concern with statistics showing that about 12 fishermen have died at the facility this year.
On the other hand, fishermen are accusing the Lake management for not providing enough life jackets and rescue response teams to help them in times of calamities.