by: Patrick Niyonkuru
Lake Kivu aerial view (Photo: Internet)
Lake Kivu is the largest and deepest lake in Rwanda and touches on five districts of Rubavu, Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke and Rusizi befor it touches to the ends of DR Congo.
The trends visited some people in the buffer zone of Lake Kivu in Rubavu district to see how they benefit from the lake.
Lake Kivu is their main source of the food and good air. This lake has clean water and is the home of different aquatic species like Limnothrissamiodon (Isambaza), fish, and other microscopic organisms. Therefore, the residents in the buffer zone enjoy the fish meat as their favorite meat.
Apart from fish as food, these people enjoy having leisure time on showers of this lake such as swimming, sailing and enjoying the beautiful view of the nature.
Limnothrissamiodon known as Isambaza (Photo: RAB)
Many people here depend on fishing as their main economic activity. They fish early mornings and evenings given that it is the right time to catch big number of fish.
Habimana Emmanuel one of the fishermen said “Most of what we earn comes from this lake. We fish every mornings and evenings and sell fish to get money for our daily needs.”
Men fishing in lake Kivu
Another way of making money is through leisure and tourism. These residents say that they sell some made in Rwanda items to tourists and some also have started other businesses such as off shower bars and lodges.
Umukundwa Benithe one of them said “We appreciate the government for taking care of this Lake. We can some items to the tourists both locals and internationals. When you look around you can see many accommodation facilities, they were all built by people in this area.”
Lake Kivu provides beach for leisure and attracts tourists
Many People from different corners of the Country and the world come to enjoy life from the showers of Lake Kivu and this has led to construction of many infrastructures like hotels, clubs and other exciting projects.
Serena Hotel that is located in buffer zone of Lake Kivu (Photo serena hotel)
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) as the Authority has the responsibility of monitoring all activities built on the Lake Kivu to conserve it;
The government of Rwanda is fully aware of anything that can spoil the comfort and the security of people who come to their time at Lake Kivu.
