The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has unveiled a Sh3.5 billion initiative aimed at improving safety on Lake Victoria for fishermen and other users.
This investment will bolster transportation and communication systems and establish five new rescue centers in Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
The project is designed to enhance safety on the lake, allowing fishermen to operate without fear of accidents. Ruto emphasized that the new rescue centers will provide crucial assistance in the event of emergencies.
During the opening of the Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Kisumu, the President highlighted the urgent need for this initiative, noting that approximately 5,000 people die in Lake Victoria each year.
Ruto expressed his administration’s dedication to reducing these fatalities and ensuring the safety of those who rely on the lake for their livelihoods, thereby supporting national food security.
Kenya Maritime Authority Director General Martin Munga outlined that the Kisumu facility will be equipped with rescue boats, ambulances, and evacuation helicopters. It will feature an operational center, a security control center, a communications room, a regional coordination office, and an emergency medical services rescue center.
Munga also mentioned plans for 24-hour communication systems, including toll-free numbers, to facilitate distress calls from those using the lake for fishing and transport.
The center will oversee rescue operations on the lake in partnership with Uganda and Tanzania, as part of the government’s efforts to restore transport links between the three countries via Lake Victoria.
With these safety measures in place, the government aims to expand blue economy activities on the lake to generate employment opportunities for young people and enhance trade both within and between counties and countries.
