Environment PS Charles Sunkuli has advised Lake Victoria Environment Management Project (LVEMPII - Kenya) to seek partnerships with research institutions to help resolve numerous environmental conservation challenges.
He said the programme needed to link with crucial research organisations like local universities who would contribute valuable interventions for the sustainable management of resources within Lake Victoria basin.
Sunkuli who spoke during a tour of sub projects under LVEMP II – Kenya yesterday observed that the project in collaboration with the development partners had undertaken many Sub projects that improved the livelihoods of the rural people and transformed local economies.
He cited the recent construction of Bomet sewerage facility, rehabilitation of Homabay sewerage facility and expansion of Kisumu sewerage plant at Kisat at a cost of over Sh400 million which had improved the sanitation of the three towns in western Kenya.
Further the PS disclosed that LVEMP II which is one of the key projects under his ministry had acquired a water Hyacinth harvester that would soon help manage water Hyacinth weed from Lake Victoria.
The weed has in the recent years invaded large sections of the lake making activities such as shipping and fishing difficult.
In order to improve fisheries patrols, research, and rescue missions LVEMP II - Kenya has also acquired two heavy utility boats and four sesse canoes of Sh100million.
Sunkuli noted that the project had constructed 17 biotoilets in primary and secondary schools, Beaches Management Units and a market.
“These projects are spread over the eight counties covered by the project. The Bio Toilets have the capacity to produce cooking gas for the schools and also maximize on the land,” he said.
Sunkuli praised LVEMP II for its environmental conservation and livelihoods improvement efforts within Lake Victoria Basin, Kenyan side.