The Police have urged fishermen and people involved in the water transport business to partner with security organs to curb maritime crimes. Assistant Inspector of Police Cyprien Uwitonze, the district community liaison officer for Bugesera, made the call during a meeting with about 60 fishermen operating on Lake Mirayi in Bugesera, on Thursday. The meeting was aimed at mobilising the fishermen into making personal and joint efforts to fight and prevent crimes that are committed on water bodies. Common maritime crimes include smuggling, unauthorised fishing and drug trafficking. AIP Uwitonze advised those wishing to engage in fishing to first seek authorisation and urged transporters not to overload their boats to ensure their security. “Most boats capsize due to overloading. This malpractice needs to stop,” he said, calling for more commitment among fishermen to ensure minimum safety standards. He also appealed to those involved in water transport to always wear life jackets and provide them to their passengers as well. AIP Uwitonze asked them to pass on information to security organs regarding those suspected to be involved in transportation of narcotics for effective response. Emmanuel Sehire, the head of COPEBIGA, a fishing cooperative in Bugesera, also appealed to members not to engage in crime or aid criminals and illegal businesses. “We spend most of our time in the waters trying to earn a living. We, therefore, have to take the primary responsibility to ensure security on the waters,” he said, reminding fellow fishermen to avoid using illegal fishing nets, which, he said, endanger immature fish. “Some of us have a habit of engaging in poor methods of fishing, this must stop since it affects fish production,” he noted. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
