PLARD procures boats for Fisheries Dept

PLARD procures boats for Fisheries Dept

Samfya, Dec 4/14, ZANIS——-The Programme for Luapula Agriculture and Rural Development (PLARD II) has procured 12 banana boats and 12 outboard engines worth K400.000 for the department of fisheries in Samfya district.

The boats will be used by the Zonal Fisheries Management Committee (ZFMC) Village Fisheries Management Committee (VFMC) for extension and enforcement of the fisheries regulations such as the annual fishing ban, the registration of fishers and the removal of illegal fish gears.

Speaking at the handover at Kwacha Water Front Lodge in Samfya, Chief Kasoma Bangweulu commended government for coming up with measures that are aimed at protecting fish in the water bodies in the district.

The Chief said there is need for chiefs to supplement government’s efforts by sensitising the community in chiefdoms to refrain from bad fishing methods, adding that government’s action is meant to help the fish population increase for the benefit the people not only at present but also the future generations.

And Luapula Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Joyce Nsamba, said the boats will go a long way in addressing the challenges that the fisheries department is faced with.

Speaking through District Administrative Officer, James Mulenga, Mrs Nsamba said the boats, which will be distributed to Zonal Fisheries Management Committees and Village Fisheries Management Committee, will go a long way in the co-management implementation of their work in the district.