Fishermen at Lake Victoria. [Photo/businessdaily]
World Bank is funding a programme that will see five search and rescue centres built around Lake Victoria.The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is implementing Kenya’s portion of the project that will also see Uganda and Tanzania receive financial support to set up similar facilities on their portions of the lake. The regional centres will have a co-ordination unit in Mwanza, Tanzania.KMA acting director general Cosmas Cherop said one of the five main search and rescue centres will be reserved for the purpose of keeping medical supplies. Mr Cherop also said,“The Kenyan side has been allocated Sh328 million and sub centres will be set up in Homa Bay, Siaya and Busia where we will also set up sheds to help fishermen carry on their businesses in a more conducive environment".In addition he said, “We will implement the project in collaboration with the Transport ministry and Lake Victoria Basin Commission. KMA will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Commission and Treasury ahead of launch of the project”. The move comes in the wake of several incidents of boats capsizing in the lake, leading to loss of lives.“Part of the project is to empower fishermen and especially women who sell fish so that they operate in hygienic conditions,” Mr Cherop said.Also Mentioning that shades will also be built where fishermen will be allocated space to operate their businesses.