Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reported a decline in maritime accidents on Lake Kivu, attributing the improvement to increased efforts in boat inspection and marine patrol operations. Six boat accidents, which claimed two lives, were reported in 2024. In 2023, nine accidents claimed five lives, according to Police. ALSO READ: Police bothered by risk posed by substandard boats on Lake Kivu RNP spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said efforts will be intensified to maintain the decline in fatal accidents. “A part from the floating hotel accident [in April], we have not seen a lot of maritime accidents on Lake Kivu [in 2024],” said Rutikanga. He added that most accidents on Lake Kivu are caused by defects in the boats, lack of sailing skills, failure to use safety equipment, negligence, and weather conditions. ALSO READ: Rwanda to start offering boat-building courses To minimize the accidents, the police have intensified boat inspections, marine patrols, and public awareness campaigns through meetings with maritime transport cooperatives aimed at enhancing safety measures. “Safety and security of boat operators and passengers should and will remain a primary requirement in marine transportation. Safety measures such as safety gears, regular boat inspection, and regular maintenance of vessels should be adhered to,” he added. Boat operators on Lake Kivu have highlighted the need for more training opportunities. “There is a lack of more experienced local people, especially for boat management and inspection,” said Aimable Igiraneza, a sailor and tour guide at Lake Kivu. He said that interested people should be provided with training to learn more about shipyards, suggesting courses on maritime transport be introduced in technical schools. In a bid to address the shortage of professionals in the marine industry, the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) has started developing a curriculum for boat-building courses. Solange Uwamahoro, head of the department of training management at RTB, recently told The New Times that Mubuga Technical Secondary School in Karongi District will offer these courses in the future, although the date of the inaugural courses has not been confirmed. Lake Kivu, known for its tourism attractions, fishing activities, and methane gas extraction, remains a significant resource for Rwanda.
