Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has stocked nearly 4 000 fingerlings at Gungwe Dam in Gwanda District under its youth empowerment-focused Presidential Fisheries Programme.
The initiative will benefit youths from Ward 12 in Gwanda following the recent rehabilitation of the water body.
The programme is part of deliberate steps by the Second Republic to attract more youths into farming in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030 targets.
Over the years, Government has focused on developing the fisheries sector by expanding tilapia fish production through dam-stocking initiatives and development of village based and school fishponds under the Rural Development 8.0 programme.
Speaking during a recent stocking event at the dam, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training
Matabeleland South deputy director, Ms Mavhonani Muleya, said youths were encouraged to embrace the project and ensure its sustainability.
“We are here at Gungwe Dam to stock 4 000 fingerlings. This programme will benefit youths from areas around Gungwe Dam,” she said.
“We want to see youths become empowered through this intervention. With the 4 000 fingerlings, which they have received, they can multiply to 15 000.
“This project won’t benefit youths only, but will bring development to the entire community. I encourage the youths to embrace this project and ensure its success and growth. It shouldn’t die in their hands. If taken seriously, this project could be a game-changer,” she said.
Ms Muleya said the youths will run the project with assistance from relevant authorities such as Agritex. One of the youth beneficiaries, Mr Brilliant Ncube, said the fisheries project will bring the much needed empowerment for locals. He said a number of youths from the area were affected by unemployment.
“I’m glad that as youths from Gungwe area we have not been left out from Government’s development agenda. We look forward to running this project successfully and realising good income from selling fish,” he said.
“We will run this project as an enterprise. With assistance from experts, we want to turn Gungwe Dam to a vibrant fish production site.”
Gungwe Dam was destroyed by heavy rains in 2016 and its successful rehabilitation last year has brought relief to the community.
Plans are underway to establish a large scale irrigation scheme and a tourist site, among other projects.
The water body is expected to enhance food security and promote economic growth through agricultural activities.
—@DubeMatutu
