“Fatshimetrie: Exploration of floating devices on Lake Kivu”
Located in Central Africa, Lake Kivu is a true natural jewel with a rich and diverse fauna and flora. At the heart of this splendor, a multitude of floating devices sail, witnesses of the maritime activity that animates its waters.
Authentic boats rub shoulders with modern boats, traditional barges cross paths with motorized pirogues. A diversity that testifies to the ingenuity of the local inhabitants and the evolution of navigation on Lake Kivu.
Some local sources have revealed that most of these floating devices are locally made. Handcrafted wooden constructions rub shoulders with ships manufactured in the shipyards of Goma and Bukavu. These boats, whether old or luxurious, embody the history and know-how of the communities living along the lake.
However, behind this diversity sometimes lie security issues. Tragic incidents have shaken the region, highlighting the dilapidated state of some boats and the lack of maintenance. Recent shipwrecks have left families in mourning, testifying to the risks inherent in sailing on these sometimes tumultuous waters.
Faced with these tragedies, the shipowners and owners of the boats often remain unreachable, leaving the victims’ families in uncertainty and pain. A collective responsibility then seems to be required to ensure the safety of all those who use the lake waterways of Lake Kivu.
By exploring these floating devices on Lake Kivu, we discover a complex universe mixing tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and technology. Each boat tells a story, each navigation is an adventure. It is up to everyone to ensure the preservation of this wealth and the safety of all those who take to the sea, so that Lake Kivu remains a symbol of beauty and life for future generations.