WESTERN PROVINCE
 
RUSIZI — Police and army officials in Gihundwe Sector, Rusizi District last Sunday set ablaze sacks of illegal fishing nets worth Rwf.10 million.  

The materials were burnt at Budiki fishing site, after being seized from the fishermen during a joint security operation in Lake Kivu, according to the District Police Commander, Supt. Danny Ndayambaje. 

While addressing fishermen and area residents, the Mayor, Fabian Sindayiheba warned residents against using illegal fishing gear, saying they should report those violating the directive to concerned security organs.

"These illegal fishing nets are a threat to our environment and fishing activities.So, it’s your duty to fight against anybody who may be involved in such illegal fishing business in the district and elsewhere in the country,” Sindayiheba urged.

The police chief further urged fishermen to share information on the security situation in the lake.

Speaking to The New Times, a number of fishermen disclosed that more illegal fishnets remain in the hands of their colleagues. 

According to such sources , illegal nets are smuggled into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through porous border points.

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