Walter Nyamukondiwa in KARIBA
FIVE cooperatives in Kariba have received new kapenta fishing rigs funded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), as the Government moves to replace old and unsafe vessels on Lake Kariba.
Launching the rigs, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the intervention responds to concerns she observed in earlier engagements, where many fishing cooperatives were using worn-out vessels that cut productivity and endangered fishers.
The beneficiaries are Lakefright, Nyanyana, Chawara, Mvurazhinji and Msampakaruma fishing cooperatives. SMEDCO has also acquired four more rigs for Binga.
“Today, we celebrate the success of Lakefright, Nyanyana, Chawara, Mvurazhinji and Msampakaruma Fishing Cooperatives,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.
She said the programme gives practical expression to President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “Leaving no one and no place behind.” The beneficiaries and other cooperatives also completed a two-day training programme.
The minister urged SMEDCO and other partners to extend financing to fish-processing equipment, solar drying, packaging and cold-chain infrastructure, and to back aquaculture and gillnet operators with ageing equipment.
She said Cabinet approved the Cooperative Societies Act Bill Principles in October 2026, and called on the cooperative movement to contribute to the review.
