Report compiled By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.
The discovery of the crude oil of commercial value and the proposal to build oil refinery in Uganda will spur refined oil trade to serve the regional industries around the Lake Victoria. Port Bell {Luzira} in Uganda will be the refined oil loading port and Kenya government and Counties have to make alternative arrangement for handling oil cargoes at selected ports.
It is preferable to construct these facilities in ports and beaches with deeper depths such as Port Victoria, Misori, Mbita and Muhuru Bay. The Eastern part of the Nyanza Gulf beyond Mbita is shallow and as such cannot take heavy laden tanker vessels drawing larger drafts.
The Central government of Kenya and its Counties must put in place contingency plans to respond to Search and Rescue oil spills in the lake while oil spill contingency plan will respond to oil pollution in the lake. Contingency plans will also details personnel and resources needed for effective response to these emergencies. Marine personnel will be given special training in line with the requirements of the contingency plans.
Kisumu Airport is currently being upgraded to international standard and is the main airport in the region. International flights will come to Kisumu Airport with many passengers and cargoes. So the region must be ready to provide services to the increased flow of passengers and cargo. Tourism will be boosted and facilities must be put in place for the comfort of tourists.
Apart from Kisumu Airport, the region has airstrips in Busia, Siaya, Homa-Bay, Migori, Rusinga and Mfangano Islands which can be served by smaller planes. These airstrips must be maintained and made accessible to enable passenger reach ports and beaches for boarding vessels.
When all trunk ring roads around lake are competed and access roads to the beaches and ports made all weather roads, the region will be able to provide transport system which will spur economic growth.
The strategy set in Capt Odhach contention for tapping the economic potential of the waters of Lake Victoria entail the use of boats/vessels and other water crafts. The labor that will be required to operate the vessels will require special training which is not in local schools and colleges curriculum. Lake Victoria Basin Commission had lid down the type of trained marine personnel to serve in ships. Kenya Marine Authority has the training schemes for the marine labor. The government and Counties have to pool resources and set up special training institutions for boat operators.
Marine personnel serving on board of vessels must undergo mandatory training which is only offered at Dar Es Salaam Marine Training Institute in Tanzania. The professional cadre of marine engineers and nautical officers can access their training in colleges and universities in Kenya. It is paramount importance tat a regional training institutions for Mandatory Training be established in the region for the training of fishermen, boat operators, and seafarers.
Kisumu City is ideal location for setting up training institution as it has many facilities and amenities. The risk management marine personnel must undergo personal survival techniques, social responsibility, First Aid and Fire fighting. Engineers and navigating officers have to undergo proficiency training to ensure safety of navigation and vessels. There are many boat accidents all over the world which necessitated proper training for all marine personnel aboard ships.
The local Counties in collaboration with the Kenya Marine Authority and Lake Victoria Basin Commission have to prepare contingency of the plans are Search and Recue and Response to oil Spill. Personnel must be trained and drilled to respond to these accidents.
Ends
Leooderaomolo@yahoo.com