Dar es Salaam, March 4 -- MWANZA: THE Lake Victoria has been invaded by a new type of weed, ‘Salvinia, with the transport sector being the most affected.

The weed clings to the bottom of marine vessels, especially propellers, making navigation difficult. According to the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) Lake Zone Manager, Mr Jarome Kayombo, the weed was first identified in August last year, with investigations linking its source to human activities, mainly agriculture along the lake.

Research indicates that the weed multiplies two to three times within eight days, thriving on the lakes abundant nutrients.

“This means the lake is highly contaminated. A task force was formed to investigate and results showed tha...