In Nigeria’s Lagos, aquatic weed plagues waterways

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LAGOS, June 1, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Traffic jams on the snarled up roads of
Nigeria’s megacity of Lagos are legendary, but a growing problem is also
clogging up the waterways of Africa’s biggest city — water hyacinths.

The spread of the invasive species of fast-growing plant is not only
damaging transport links in Nigeria’s economic capital, built on a lagoon
dotted with islands.

With waterways covered and silting up, the aquatic weed is also
threatening fishing jobs and a vital food source.

“This is all I can get since morning,” said fisherman Solomon Omoyajowo,
showing a handful of fish in a bowl in his wooden canoe.

The 45-year-old fisherman has already been forced to move his nets from
one part of the Ogun river too thick with weeds, to a new area nearer the
sea.

“Many fishermen have abandoned their boats, while some of us who still
want to continue, now try our luck here,” he told AFP, using his palms to
wipe a stream of sweat from his face.

“Water hyacinths are killing the fish in the river,” said another nearby
fisherman, Adisa, as he cast his net into the river.

When he hauled it up, he had caught only four small fish.

“I don’t think I can do any other job apart from fishing,” Adisa said. “I
will continue to manage until the government comes to our aid to clear the
weeds.”

– Jobs at risk –

Originally from South America, the plant has caused chaos across several
countries in Africa. Earlier this year, a thick green carpet of the weed
choked up Kenya’s main entry to Lake Victoria, the largest body of water in
Africa.

It was first noted in Nigeria in the early 1980s, in the Badagry creeks
west of Lagos, reportedly spreading from neighbouring Benin.

Since then, mats of weeds have spread to rivers across the country,
including Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger delta.

Fishermen say the weed is so thick it creates a dense cover that makes it
difficult for fishing boats to navigate the river.

It is having a damaging impact.

One study, from Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, estimated it put at
risk one-third of Nigeria’s local fish supply, a cheap source of food
millions rely on.

That threatens to put thousands of fishermen out of a job.

“It has become a menace to the marine ecosystems of Lagos,” said Nkechi
Ajayi, spokeswoman from Lagos State Waterways Authority, adding that it
impacted “the socio-economic activities” of river communities.

– Propeller problems –

Water transportation is also at risk. Operators complain of damaged boats
and risk of accidents.

“We often find it difficult to navigate whenever the weeds clog the
river,” said boat driver John Ibikunle, as he waited to pick passengers on
Lagos Island.

He said many commuters, who once preferred water transport to beat the
perennial Lagos traffic gridlock, are returning to the roads, tired of being
stuck on water with weeds snagging the propeller.

“They cause mechanical problems to the propulsion system of boats,” added
Ajayi, from the waterways authority.

The plant doesn’t grow well in salt water, and environmental experts say
the plant expands during the rainy season when the level of fresh water rises
in Lagos lagoon.

“It is a seasonal plant,” said Noah Shemede, an environmental activist,
from the vast area of wooden homes on stilts built into the water, a fishing
settlement called Makoko.

“In the Makoko community for instance, its impact is felt when the rain is
heavy and the salt level is lower,” Shemede said.

– ‘Underwater lawn mower’ –

Lagos State Waterways Authority chief Abisola Kamson said they have
brought in two water hyacinth removal machines to clear the weeds.

“The machines act like an underwater lawn mower,” Kamson said. “It cuts
the vegetation, collecting and storing the weeds and debris on board.”

But while fishermen and boat operators struggle with the weed, one local
entrepreneur sees a business opportunity.

Achenyo Idachaba set up a firm that processes the weed into handwoven
products including baskets and bags.

“The weeds are harvested from water channels and spread out in the sun to
dry,” Idachaba said. “They are processed into small ropes, required to weave
the products together.”

Some see a brighter future.

Scientists at the University of Lagos say the plant could also be
converted into energy as biomass production, to help solve part of Nigeria’s
chronic electricity shortages.