The rising water levels of Lake Victoria have continued to disrupt businesses, destroy property and displace thousands of people living and working by its Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan shores.

Over 7,000 people have been displaced since February when water engulfed the dry lake shores, according to the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda.

“Water has moved more than 13.12 metres ashore, the second highest on record since it rose to 13.46 metres in 1964,” it said.

Since December last year, the waters of the Lake have been rising, flooding beaches, residential areas and hotels in Uganda as well as in Kenya.

In Kenya, floods from backflows from the lake and rivers bursting their banks across the country have killed 169 people, displaced several others and washed away bridges- disrupting commerce and travel.

The increase in the water volume has also had an impact on downstream water bodies like the Lake Kyoga whose water levels have subsequently increased, causing a similar hazard.

The State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar said that the government is encouraging “voluntary movement of people from the endangered zones.”

By Olajumoke Adeleke