FIVE Nyanza and Western Counties bordering Lake Victoria will form a coalition to address the water hyacinth menace. A larger percentage of Lake Victoria is currently covered by water hyacinth which has hindered fishing and movement of water vessels.

Speaking to the press at the weekend while touring Suba District Hospital, Medical Services Minister Anyang' Nyong'o said the coalition is meant to address issues that affect Lake Victoria's full utilisation.

Nyong'o said the coalition will bring together Homabay, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori in Nyanza and Busia in Western Province.

"We want to ensure the Lake functions. Water hyacinth which is currently choking the Nyanza gulf is a major cause for alarm and we must unite to clear it once and for all," he said.

He said under the devolved government, they will come up with a formular where each county contributes funds to ensure conservation of the Lake.

Nyong'o said doing this will address the depletion of fish at the Lake and enable water vessels to move freely which will empower local communities.