The Governor of Eastern Province Odette Uwamariya, has advised the residents to use the existing numerous lakes in a safe manner.The Governor was reacting to persistent cases of drowning by children in the lakes while fetching water, as well as the capsising of fishing boats in the province.She said that parents have lost children due to negligence, adding that in future, such parents would be called to account when they cause irresponsible deaths.“I know you won’t like it...you will suffer double jeopardy; lose a child and get punished. Why do you send unaccompanied young children to fetch water in the lakes?” she wondered.“Records are there; children die each year by drowning...lakes should be a blessing and not a curse,” she said.Uwamariya also warned fishermen who use old and poor boats that have led to the deaths of many. She said fishers’ cooperatives should seek assistance so that minimum standards are set to avoid unnecessary deaths.“Use of poor boats while transporting passengers or fishing, has also been robbing us of people. It must be checked forthwith...sturdy and modern boats are needed”.Juliette Mukagatete, who lives near Lake Muhazi, admitted that the lake was a silent killer, lamenting that it was unfortunately not regarded as a threat by the community.“The problem is simple; people take this lake as a family member...they don’t fear it and trust it with their children. Children fetch and swim in the lake. So, I agree that we should change our perception,” she said.Eastern Province has the biggest number of water bodies in the country.
