Minister of Natural Resources Owen Chomanika has launched Kachulu Fish Landing site, a fish processing facility, in Zomba District.
This is the first of its kind and it is expected to promote fishing business along the whole area of Lake Chilwa in the district and also enable farmers keep their fresh fish protected since it will have refrigerated fishing space.
Chomanika said post fishing losses have been an issue for years and this made the country to fail reach its 700,000 metric tones demand as currently, only 200, 000 metric tones are produced.
Project Coordinator, Robert Kafakoma, said the plan to construct the facility was based on the outcry from fishermen that despite their numerous efforts, the made it in vain.
Kafakoma said the structure would provide a better business platform and spur fishing business in the area.
Zomba Council Chairperson, Blazio Chnthenga, said through the sustainable fisheries aquaculture development and watershed management project the district has benefited a lot.
Chinthenga said, among others, the project has helped dress up some bare grounds, helped youth venture into sustainable and smart agriculture.
Sub Traditional Authority Lamusi hailed the government for the project, which she said would promote fish business in the area.
Kachulu Beach Village Committee representative, Ronie Misokwe, said the facility will provide an opportunity to fishermen to carefully take good care of the fish and improve on the quality which was one of the factors affecting the business.
Kachulu Fish Landing site has been constructed under the sustainable fisheries aquaculture development and watershed management project with funding from the African Development Bank, worth K300 Million was used for its establishment.
By Solister Mogha, MANA
