Consequently, the usually serene but lively lake located some distance away from the sparsely populated Ogu community is now a shadow of itself.

Though the water hyacinth is used for feedstock purposes in industrialized world for renewable energy plants, the reverse is the case in the country ostensibly due to lack of technology to put the plant into profitable use.

Unlike prior to the invasion of the plants where picnickers were usually seen frolicking in the lake the area was completely deserted with the colonizing weeds forming enthralling green scenery yesterday when this reporter visited the area.

However, a middle aged man who described himself as an official of the State Ministry of Works and Transport was sighted at the lake pavilion.

The official who spoke anonymously blamed the lull in activities in the area on the invasion of the water hyacinth saying no sane family would want to risk the life of any of its members given the unkempt state of the environment.

“It is a pity the government is allowing the place to waste away. This is one edifice that if properly utilized could be a money spinning venture for the state. But as it is, how do you expect any sane family to come here for picnic?

Look at the floating jetty which is probably the most interesting aspect of the lake for picnickers, is almost covered with the weeds thereby making them vulnerable to possible attack from reptiles especially snakes which could easily blend with the green panorama,” he said.

The official who expressed dismay at the state of the facility described its neglect as an indictment on the part of the government which has repeatedly reiterated its avowed commitment to develop its tourism potentials.

He noted that since the problem of the water weeds is more pronounced during the flood season the state government should have put in place measures to prevent the drifting plants from taking over the lake which has rendered it less attractive to residents of the capital city.

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