WESTERN PROVINCE

NYAMASHEKE —  The Police and Army authorities in Nyamasheke district, on Tuesday, July 8 burnt an assortment of illegal fish nets locally known as Kaningini worth Frw10 millions.

The burning exercise took place at Lake Kuvu shores at around 5pm in Ninzi cell, in Kagano sector. And it was officially carried out by a district team led by the Mayor, Vincent Muragwa.

The illegal fishing materials included 43 Kaningini nets and over 100 super nets. The materials were impounded from various cells that include; Ninzi, Mubumbano, Shara and Gitongo cell all in Kagano sector, and Kibogora cell in Kanjongo sector, according to officials.

"These illegal fishing nets that we have burnt today include 43 Kaningini nets and over 100 super nets valued at over Frw10millions. We impounded them from various cells of Kagano and Kanjongo sectors in Nyamasheke district,” said a police official, adding that the move is aimed at curtailing the catching of immature fish in Lake Kivu.

The Mayor cautioned residents, especially fishermen and women, against illegal fishing activities using illegal fishing materials. He explained that the practice destroys young fish which would increase fish production in future.

"We have burnt these illegal fishing nets in this area in order to eliminate the activities of catching young fish species in our Lake Kivu. And you are all here aware that our government banned such nets so let all of us work together in fighting against such illegal activities in our district,” Muragwa said.

He also urged fishermen to avoid carrying out their fishing activities in fishponds because it also destroys young fish and to always report those who involve in illegal fishing activities to the concerned authorities in time. He further cautioned residents against illegal businesses and smuggling.

The burnt materials are allegedly brought in the area from the Democratic Republic of Congo according to fishermen. But Muragwa vowed to curb illegal activities.

This is not the first time to confiscate and burn illegal fishing nets in Nyamasheke, but this most recent figure was big compared to previous figures, according to security organs in the area.

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