Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Tsholotsho District has received 58 000 fingerlings to stock five dams as part of the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department director, Mr Milton Makumbe, representing Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira, officiated at the hand-over ceremony at Tshamakiwa Dam on Sunday.
Tshamakiwa Dam received 28 000 fingerlings, Jibhi Dam (10 000), Mathe Dam (5 000), Jewel Dam (5,000) and Nhunkandume Dam (10 000).
Additionally, 2 000 fingerlings were allocated to Cowdray Park for fishponds.
“This initiative is more than just introducing fish into the water, it is an investment in food security, economic empowerment, and community development,” said Mr Makumbe.
The stocking is aimed at meeting the national demand for 60 000 tonnes of fish.
“Currently, the fisheries sector in Zimbabwe has reached a production of approximately 31 296 tonnes of fish, with 26 310 tonnes coming from our dam fisheries,” Mr Makumbe said.
“Stocking these four dams – Tshamakiwa, Jipi, Mathe and Mhunkandume – will yield an average output of 45 000 tonnes of fish per year.”
Mr Makumbe praised one of the Government’s partners – RADCO – for donating 40 000 fingerlings.
He urged communities to form committees and cooperatives to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries projects.
“I call upon traditional leaders, local authorities, and all stakeholders to actively participate in ensuring the sustainability of fish farming,” said Mr Makumbe.
“This project belongs to all of us, not just as beneficiaries but as custodians of this valuable resource.”
The Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, targets stocking 1 200 dams across the country.
Online Reporter