A fisherman displays his catch. PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE
By Frederic Musisi & Abdu Kiyaga
ENTEBBE- Donor countries have resolved to boost infrastructure development on the Lake Victoria basin to spur economic growth.
Lake Victoria benefits five countries; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, with fishing and agriculture being the major activities embraced.
Lake Victoria benefits five countries; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, with fishing and agriculture being the major activities embraced.
The donors, at the closing of the third Lake Victoria Basin Donors’ Conference in Entebbe, expressed concerns that although the lake was at risk of gross human activities like pollution and overfishing, among others, projects like modern transport networks, communication infrastructures and tourism, have not been given priority by government.
The donors said developing the maritime infrastructure would enhance the sectors’ progress.
“The development of infrastructure like water
ways, enhancement of water security and modern landing sites, has not
been embraced in all the riparian countries [countries sharing Lake
Victoria],” said Mr Mohammed Hassan, the chairman of the Infrastructure
Consortium for Africa, a body charged with infrastructural development
in the continent.
He added: “As long as development of such infrastructure is not embraced, the lake is not adequately utilised,” Mr Hassan said. “I urge the donors here to support the East African governments to achieve this.”
The donors; Finland, Sweden, Germany, African
Development Bank, World Bank and Japan, pledged to start supporting such
projects, but reported, the little willingness among the-would-be
beneficiaries.
Representatives of Japan, for example said: “Since last year, they had committed close to $32 billion (Shs80 trillion) in Africa but the countries were not adequately prepared.”
Representatives of Japan, for example said: “Since last year, they had committed close to $32 billion (Shs80 trillion) in Africa but the countries were not adequately prepared.”
“Such projects would be enhanced by donor funding if they are embedded in the National Development Plans of respective East African countries,” they added.
Ms Magda Lovei, the World Bank Africa sector manager for social, environment and rural development, warned of withdrawal in case there are no satisfactory results.
“...We shall provide our full support, but shall retreat where we are not convinced of the progress,” Ms Lovei said.
About the lake
Transport facility. Lake Victoria provides a huge water mass for the inland water transport.
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