Is This How We Should Live?

Species of Fish in Lake Malawi

By Faith Mlombwa

Lake Malawi is a wonderful, beautiful lake and part of it extends to Malindi in the Eastern district of Mangochi. Here, the lake is being polluted. People wash clothes, clean utensils and throw litter in it. This tendency is putting numerous species of fish in danger.

If this is not checked, the different fish species will eventually come to extinction because some of the substances thrown into it are toxic. In turn, this will affect people since fish is the source of food and income to the fishing community in the area.

On a larger scale, this will also affect the country's economy and the development of the area. Through my keen observation, I have noted that most people are not aware of the dangers of such practices. Surprisingly, neither the government nor the community leaders are taking action to stop the malpractice. Is this how we should live?

In a related development, I was shocked to see how people destroyed their environment. It has been a week now since Namizimu Hills in Malindi has been set on fire. Over half of the mountain has been destroyed by the fire. Truly, the biggest threat to the environment is man.

For sure, a lot of animals are being endangered due to this merciless act. My questions : "Are the Heads of Communities around not aware of this? Have they turned a blind eye towards this? Why has no action been taken to stop this act?" Once a glorious view full of nature now a sorry sight full of ashes. Is this how we should live?

**Faith Mlombwa is a Form 2 Youth Out Loud Reporter from Saint Michael's Girls Secondary School**