Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in KARIBA
A cold chain facility is being set up at Kings Camp in Kariba under a US$100 000 investment aimed at ending the long-standing exploitation of local fishermen by middlemen.
The latest development is envisaged to transform the fishing hub into a viable commercial enterprise.
The intervention, being implemented under Phase 2 of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund, includes the installation of a US$52 000 cold storage unit, a solar-powered energy system and a borehole to support operations and preserve fish quality.
For years, fishers at Kings Camp have been forced to sell their catch for as little as US$1 per kilogramme due to lack of proper storage facilities.
With the new infrastructure in place, producers are now targeting market prices ranging between US$3,50 and US$4 per kilogramme.
United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the investment is designed to turn the fishing camp into a sustainable business model.
“Our objective is to make this fishing camp a sustainable business. We do not want them to be ripped off by middlemen who buy their fish at very ridiculous prices,” said Dr Odusola.
“In addition to the borehole and solar system, we are installing a cold chain facility that will enhance productivity. We are targeting a minimum of 15 tonnes of fish per month at normal market prices, not the exploitative prices they have been forced to accept.”
A 40 cubic metre container is being installed as a cold storage unit, allowing fishers to preserve their catch for longer periods and negotiate better prices.
Dr Odusola said sustainability will be anchored in private sector participation, with a company identified to operate the facility as a business venture.
At the same time, fishers will receive financial literacy and management training to strengthen their capacity.
“We want them to manage this successfully. The private sector will run it as a business concern, while we build the capacity of the fishermen so they can maintain operations and improve their financial management,” he said.
Kings Camp has 26 fishing permit holders, each employing at least two people, translating to more than 50 direct jobs.
The new facility is expected to stabilise incomes and stimulate broader economic activity in the area.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is providing technical support in natural resource management and agriculture.
The Resilience Knowledge Hub (Mercy Corps) is contributing through evidence generation and catalytic support, while implementation in the Mid-Zambezi area is being carried out by consortium partners DanChurchAid and the Ushingi Consortium.
Local fishers say the cold storage facility will fundamentally change their operations.
“We used to sell our fish at US$1 per kilogramme because the fish would rot quickly. Buyers knew we had no option,” said Mereki Siankwazi from Binga.
“With this cold room, we can now wait for better prices and earn what our fish is really worth.”
Nyarai Siampande said the project would empower women involved in fishing and fish trading.
“Sometimes buyers dictated prices because they knew we were desperate. This project gives us bargaining power and dignity,” she said.
Tichaona Musaka from Chief Mola said the development marks a turning point for the community.
“The biggest challenge was racing against time before the fish spoiled. Now we can store it properly and even target bigger markets,” he said.
The project is supported under Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2, with funding from the European Union and the Government of Ireland, led, managed and coordinated by UNDP, technically supported by FAO in natural resource management and agriculture, strengthened by the Resilience Knowledge Hub (MERCYCorps) through evidence generation and a catalytic role. The project is being implemented in the Mid Zambezi by Ushingi Consortium led by DanChurchAid.
Tinaye Agere