Water Weed Taking Over Map Of Africa Shaped Lake Raises Worries Residents
A water weed that is rapidly growing and engulfing most parts of Map of Africa-shaped lake called Nkugute commonly known as Lake Rutooto located in Kyanika 2 village of Rutooto Sub-county Rubirizi district has continuously worried residents attracting the attention of various stakeholders to restore the lake.
This was revealed when we visited and interacted with the shocked residents who expressed different concerns indicating that the lake which is their only pride is under attack.
Alex Nabasa a resident of Rubirizi district said that the weed is almost covering the horn of Africa on the map of an Africa-shaped lake hence making the lake lose its proud shape which is key for tourists.
" Honestly this lake is in the shape of the African map but as we talk now, the would be horn if Africa is almost covered by the weed."
Elia Bright councillor Ndagaro parish in Rutooto Sub County said that on top of the lake attracting tourists, it is so precious to many communities as its waters serve very many purposes.
"That lake you are seeing serves water for domestic use to very many people but also makes us proud because of the awesome environment."
He further made a public outcry to all the concerned authorities to quickly come on board and restore the lake. To that effect, the people together with various stakeholders have initiated a festival called Nature Tigikya Festival whose launch will be on 27/12/2023 with the primary target of fighting the vice as well as future conservation of the lake.
Mercelus Katusiime who works with Creater Pearls Adventure an organization that has waged a number of conservation activities on natural features in Rubirizi district and the country at large, said that the festival will gather people of various cultures who will exercise their different cultural activities aimed at conserving the lake.
He also urged the general public to come out and be part in the fight of restoring the shape of the lake.
Deogratious Muhumuza a senior tourism officer in Rubirizi district attributed the source of the weed to endless activities of encroachment on the lake by the people.
He however unveiled that losing the lake shape will mean losing tourists who come to visit the lake and therefore called for collective efforts in restoring it.
