NEW: Mudzi aquaculture project charms SADC

Theseus Shambare in MUDZI

THE unity and determination of fish farmers in Mudzi, Mashonaland East Province, has charmed the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has pledged to extend resources to establish cold chain facilities in the area.

Pathfinders Club, an association of fish farmers in Shinga Ward 4, is expected to receive a three-tonne refrigerated truck, an ice-making machine and state-of-the-art cold room, among other essentials.

SADC’s Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy (Profishblue) project manager Dr Alexander Kefi said farmers had proven that they treat fish farming as a business.

“We are really impressed with the level of commitment we have seen here. These people are hardworking and determined to see this project succeed,” said Dr Kefi.

“Here, farmers injected their money in drilling boreholes and establishing fish ponds. What I can say is that this model is workable and practical.”

SADC Secretariat procurement expert Mr Grem Salima said the bloc has a US$10,17 million fund to support groups like Pathfinders with cold chain facilities.

“We are really happy to see that you are an organised group well-represented in terms of gender equality and also with youths. I encourage you to tender your application so that funds will be availed to you for the purchase of a three-tonne refrigerated truck, construction of cold-room facilities, among other essentials to ensure the continuity and profitability of the project,” said Mr Salima.

The SADC representatives are in the country for a week on a mission to introduce the Profishblue project, which is motivated by the need to provide cold chain facilities to farmers.

Pathfinders Club has 40 members – 24 women, 10 youths and four elderly people.

Each member is currently constructing one fish pond and drilling a borehole using proceeds from the sale of traditional grains.