English
Kinyarwanda
Fishing cooperatives operating in Lake Kivu have vowed to stand up against any illegal activity in and around Rwanda's largest water body.
They also committed to strengthen their partnership with Police to further improve the security and sustainability of the lake.
The collective vow was made recently during a meeting that Rwanda National Police (RNP) conducted with over 80 members of fishing cooperatives that exploit Lake Kivu.
During the meeting, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Rubavu, Janvier Nsana, commended the members for being vigilant on protecting the source of their livelihood, and urged them to immediately report anyone who conducts illegal fishing and other activities such as trafficking of narcotic drugs and smuggling.
“Lake Kivu is not only a source of livelihood for fishermen but also an important source for the environment and sustainable development of Rwanda. Therefore, it must be exploited in a manner that is legal and sustainable for the future,” he said.
“There are fishermen who use illegal tools to net fish – and this is a threat to the diversity of the fish in the lake, while some of you also conduct activities at night, thus pause a danger not only to yourselves but to the fishing neighborhood. You should all abide by rule and laws that govern the exploitation of water bodies.”
He also advised them to work with police and other law enforcers by strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance on Lake Kivu and provide timely reports in case of any suspicious activity.
Boudouin Nsabimana, the chairperson of the Lake Kivu Fisheries Cooperation, commended police for conducting regular surveillance on the lake to protect it against criminal activities, and urged his fellow members to think of the future whenever they are conducting their fishing business.
