The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO), Abdoulahi Aliou, and some indigenes of Menchum Division, North West Region of Cameroon have advanced varied but opposing reasons for the sudden change in the odour and colour of lake Kuk in the Fungom Sub-division, observed on August 29, 2022. In a press release published on August 30, 2022, Abdoulahi Aliou attributed the change in colour and odour to heavy rainfall, calling on the population of Kuk village to remain calm, and report any further change in the lake to the administration.
“As explained by the scientists, the sudden change observed is due to heavy rains that have shaken the water level and brought to the surface particles deposited at the bottom of the lake,” the release read in part.
Contrary to the release of the SDO, many indigenes of Menchum Division think the change rather has a traditional undertone. “The Kuk palace is a custodian to the lake. So, whenever the Fon of Kuk disappears or joins his ancestors, the lake produces a toxic smell in the environment and Fungom as a whole; the lake equally changes its colour most at times to yellow,” a post on a facebook page dubbed Menchum Legends read. The post further calls on the population of Kuk village and Menchum Division as whole not to be panic because it is traditional happening, but to rather “add the Fon of Kuk in your daily prayers and stay blessed”
A change in lake colour and odour in different parts of the world has often been attributed by scientists to the decay of fish, and other aquatic organisms (algae), which often release methane gas causing foul odours., and a change in lake colour ranging from dark green to almost a reddish colour. There is thus, a need for further research to better ascertain the exact cause of the change in the colour of lake Kuk.
By Ndimuh B. Shancho
