Migori Fisheries Office, in partnership with water bus transportation, will soon launch water transport in Lake Victoria to boost the transport sector for social and economic activities.
Speaking at his office, Migori County Chief Officer for Fisheries and Blue Economy George Ochola said the collaboration will also improve the water transport safety in Migori especially in Nyatike Sub County.
Ochola revealed that testing has already begun to ascertain the viability of the water transport project, and safety as well as also establish the number of days per week for the water bus operations.
He, further urged Migori residents to embrace water bus transport terming it efficient, secure and reliable.
The water bus transport operations will open up islands like Migingo and other isolated islands like Matoso and Aluru while at the same time boosting the economic activities at Muhuru, Got Kachola and Sori bays along the shores of Lake Victoria in Nyatike.
“Our plan as a county is to increase water transportation in the lake to realise social economic transformative agenda and boost the tourism sector,” affirmed Ochola.
Unpredictable weather patterns have been the biggest hindrance for Nyatike residents who rely on water transport but according to Ocholla, the collaboration with the water bus will ensure a safe and secure route to ensure the smooth running of the transport sector.
“Based on our assessment we will soon decide if the bus transport will be daily or on specific days within a week,” added Ochola.
The fisheries official also explained that they will be working very closely with the port authority to open up the water transport and link routes to Homa Bay, Kisumu and Tanzania as well as provide safety kits to fishermen, as well as implement policies and safety regulations.
The county will at the same time establish proper landing sites in strategic islands like Matoso and Aluru to provide a wider transport network for tourists, local residents and the fishing community.
Samuel Doo, a local fisherman at Muhuru Bay expressed joy for the water bus project that will soon address issues of water transport safety.
“We have been relying on our small boats for fishing and transport but the introduction of the water bus transport which will be fairly cheaper and faster will solve many of the problems we have been facing,” explained Doo.
By Beryl Akinyi and Makokha Khaoya