By MN Reporter

Over 1,200 fishermen in Sori beach, Migori county are grappling with loses after a a floating thicket blocked access.

Apart from disrupting fishing activities at the beach, the thicket size of four football fields has also polluted the water at the landing site.

Sori Beach Management Unit (BMU) secretary Justus Rabare said six people were hospitalized on Sunday at Sori Lakeside Hospital and St. Camillus Mission Hospitals after they consumed water from the beach.

“The thicket produces a foul smell, contaminated the water which we depend on for use. It has also brought fear among residents and the fishermen as wild animals made it their new habitat,” he said.

“No one can go to the lake alone as the wild animals from the weed may attack them. We have tried clearing the weed but we are forced to run as they harbour huge snakes,” Paul Obiero, a fisherman said.

They said they are losing over ShSh700,000 weekly in lost of stock and equipment with Nam Rongo landing site being the most affected.

Area BMU chairman Maxwell Ogolla said national and county should come to their rescue.

Migori County Director for Fisheries Judith Okinda says the government is yet to identify the type of weed that has evaded Sori Beach.

“We have not yet identified it as it is not the normal water hyacinth that we are used to. We will need to engage the department of environment and other stakeholders as it needs a holistic approach so that we don’t make a decision that could worsen the situation,” Okinda says.

Nyatike MP Tom Odege wants the government to intervene and remove the thicket.