President Lungu warns against bureaucracy

By NDUBI MVULA, Lusaka

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has cautioned Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Michael Katambo and all extension officers at the ministry against any bureaucracy in implementing development in the fish industry.

“I don’t like warning people because if I warn and I don’t fire you people will be saying why haven’t fired him. It’s rare that I warn people in publicly but I want to warn you and your staff not to depart from the project objectives,” he says. 

Mr Lungu was sounded the warning yesterday when he launched the Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project (ZADEP) in Lilayi under the theme “Zambia Aquaculture on Sustainable Growth”.

The project will be implemented for a period of five years from 2017 to 2022 at a cost of US$20, 89 million, 89.2 percent of which will be funded by the African Development Bank while the Zambian Government will contribute 10.8 percent which is US$5.49 million.

Mr Lungu has since commended the bank for its unwavering support to fund the project which is the first of its kind in Africa.

“Well done, we are exceedingly grateful for this valuable support,” he says.

He says despite the annual increase in fish production as a result strong push in aquaculture promotion, Zambia still has a fish deficit of 87, 000 metric tonnes.

Mr Lungu, however says Government’s resolve to proactively promote aquaculture has impressively delivered results increasing yields from 12, 988 metric tonnes in 2012 to 30, 285 metric tonnes in 2016.

“This significant achievement by the PF Government gives me hope that we are on the right path to boost fish production leading. We must cut fish imports and instead promote local production for export,” he says.

Mr Lungu who has also ventured into fish farming, noted that increasing human population and demand for fish as a source of cheap protein has contributed to the deficit hence the need to accelerate aquaculture development.

He says the project being conducted at the farm belonging to Dr Penias Tembo in Lilayi area is very important to the sub-sector as a viable and inclusive business opportunity to improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries in the aquaculture value chain.

“This project will help fish farmers to improve their business and managerial skills and the quality of their productive systems. Efficient production will help bring down the price of fish for consumers,” he says.

He further says about 12,000 fish farmers and entrepreneurs comprising 50 percent women and youth in the identified high potential aquaculture areas will benefit from the project.

And Mr Katambo says the launch of the project will transform the aquaculture sub-sector in the country such that a lot of people will benefit especially the youth and women who will be engaged in fish farming.

He says five aquaculture parks will be set up in expects Bangweulu in Luapula, Mungwi in Northern Province, Chipepo in Southern Province Rufunsa in Lusaka and Kasempa in North-western Province.

And ADB representative Lewis Bangwe says Zambia can revive its fish sector through the aquaculture sector because of its vast water resources and strategic positioning.

Meanwhile, Aquaculture Development Association of Zambia (ADAZ) chairperson Fisho Mwale who is also Director of Yalelo Zambian Fish is delighted with the launch of the project describing it as a milestone in the fish sector.

He commended Government for putting in place policies that promote the fish industry describing it as favourable.