GOVERNMENT through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has funded Aqua Fish Marketing Cooperative, a Senanga Cage Fish Farming Project at a cost of K8.4 million.

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, who commissioned the project noted that majority of the people in the province are into fishing activities.

 “The project will help uplift the livelihoods of people in Senanga, Western province and the country, including youths and women” Mr Mubanga said.

CEEC Director General, Muwe Mungule, said the project is a strategic initiative that aims to transform the aquaculture landscape, and set a precedence for sustainable inclusive development across the nation.

“This is a launch of opportunities, innovation and prosperity for the people of Senanga and the province,” Dr Mungule said.

He stated the project strategically leverages on the abundant water resources of the Zambezi River to address Zambia’s growing demand for fish production.

“42, 000 fingerings have already been stocked, and the commission is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. They decided to take a phased approach ensuring consistency in production and mitigating the risks of demand over supply, which guarantees sustainably returns on the fish producers,” he added.

Dr Mungule noted the project is an integrated aquaculture hub comprising of cage culture system, the modern hatchery capable of producing more than one million fingerlings, and infrastructure including a cold room refrigerated truck.

 “CEEC is committed to establishing rural agro processing industries that will create employment and retain wealth within the communities. The commission project’s much more than fish production will be actualised,” he said.

Dr Mungule stated that the commission intends to invest in an aquaculture tourism facility with amenities such as accommodation facilities, food and drinks, entertainment facilities, boating facilities and aquaculture learning.

He revealed very soon, the commission will issue a call for application to targeted interested citizens to set-up such facilities with support from the commission.

“We pledge to undertake continuous monitoring to ensure sustainability and success. To the cooperative receiving this support, project sustainability depends on prudent management, dedication as well as accountability,” Dr Mungule said.

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Director, Evans Mutanuka, noted that the project marks a significant step in collaborative efforts to transform fish production through aquaculture in Western province and beyond.

Mr Mutanuka stated the project brings together over 400 beneficiaries organised into four cooperatives, which have come together as a union with support from CEEC.

“Senanga aquaculture project has been equipped with key assets that make it one of the most organised community-based cage fish farming ventures in Zambia,” he said.

Mr Mutanuka stated the components include; 26 fish cages installed on the Zambezi River, a 5-tonne refrigerated truck dedicated to the transportation of harvested fish to markets and cold storage facilities, a cold storage stationed, which will be stationed in the district, digital monitoring tablets and surveillance systems for improved management and transparency.

“It is expected that at each harvesting cycle, approximately three metric tonnes of fish will be produced thereby giving an annual production of 26 metric tonnes,” he said.

Mr Mutanuka disclosed, plans are underway to establish a modern hatchery in Senanga district. Once operational, it will supply fingerlings to other emerging enterprises in the province, thus transforming the district into an aquaculture hub that will integrate fish breeding, grow-out, processing and marketing.

“The project directly aligns with the national fisheries and aquaculture policy as well as the ministerial strategy and the 8^th National Development Plan, which aim at promoting aquaculture development, sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in Rivers and lakes, enhance income generation and ensure food and nutritional security for Zambians,” Mr Mutanuka stated.

He said the project will create direct and indirect jobs, generate income for cooperatives, improve food security and reduce pressure on the national fish stocks.

On behalf of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Induna Meimanene Patrick Iluba who represented the Right Honourable Ngambela Mukela Manyando expressed happiness that the launch of the project is not just a ceremony, but proof of collaborative governance and the strength of inclusive development.

“The Barotse Royal Establishment has always believed that development must focus on people and be driven locally, adding that the communities have remarkable entrepreneurial potential, and what they need are the tools, knowledge and resources to unlock the potential,” Ngambela Mukela Manyando said.

Aquaculture Fish Marketing Cooperative Chairperson, Augustine Mwika, thanked CEEC for the good gesture and pledged that the cooperative will be well managed to ensure sustainability. -NAIS