Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme has spread to Insiza District where 10 000 Tilapia fingerlings have been deposited to boost fish production at the recently rehabilitated Wanezi Dam.
The programme is being implemented under Government’s rural industrialisation programme.
A total of 4 500 fingerlings were also deposited in ponds at the Insiza District Agriculture Centre of Excellence.
More fingerlings will be deposited at Wanezi Dam, which used to be a major source of livelihood for farmers before being damaged by Cyclone Dineo floods in 2017.
Last year the dam was rehabilitated under the Community Climate Adaption Water and Energy Project (CAWEP) funded by the British Embassy and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) working with Government departments.
Speaking during a recent fisheries stocking event at Wanezi Dam, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said fish farming is set to revolutionise livelihoods and promote sustainable stewardship of natural resources.
“Fish farming is not just an option but a necessity. My ministry is dedicated to supporting President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming our nation into a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
“Today we celebrate a major step in this journey by stocking dams and fish ponds in Matabeleland with a total of 24 000 fingerlings. We appreciate the UNDP’s efforts and encourage the community to safeguard this project. The dam also supports two schools, which we encourage to establish fisheries projects, harnessing the benefits of the Presidential Communities Fisheries Scheme.”
Deputy Minister Marapira said it was crucial for all stakeholders led by traditional leaders, to contribute to the sustainability of fish farming.
He said districts must develop and implement community driven by-laws to safeguard their natural resources and ensure sustainability of projects.
Deputy Minister Marapira said a Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is being developed to reinforce Government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and will regulate the sector, curb poaching and ensure the sustainability of community owned projects.
He encouraged communities to establish dam committees to promote sustainable harvests and safeguard fish stocks for future generations.
“As we continue to explore innovative ways to maximise the potential of our dams, we are also excited about the prospects of cage culture and commercial fishing,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.
He said communities can boost productivity of their dams thereby enhancing economic growth, improve food security and transform their livelihoods.
Zimbabwe is targeting to increase fish production from 20 000 tonnes to 60 000 tonnes per year by 2030. UNDP CAWEP project manager, Mr Solomon Mutambara said work on a 35-hectare irrigation scheme being supported by Wanezi Dam has started.
“A feasibility study was conducted in 2022 to establish the kind of dam that could be built. Works started in January last year and we completed them in December,” he said.
“To enable production and utilisation of the water, Government has come in with a fisheries programme. There is also a 35ha irrigation scheme being established, which is now at 70 percent. We hope to have finished the works by end of April.”
In a speech read on her behalf by Matabeleland South economic development officer in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Ms Gail Ncube, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, said the fisheries programme is a major milestone in rural transformation.
“Today we gather to celebrate the significance of fisheries in our province, a sector that holds immense potential for growth and development. The fisheries stocking is set to accelerate and commercialise fish production and increase rural incomes while providing households with a rich source of protein,” she said.
“Over the years we have made significant strides in stocking our dams, including Zhovhe, Silalatshani and Mtshabezi. In total six dams have been stocked under the Presidential Fisheries programme. I would like to commend farmers and partners for their teamwork.”
The Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme is aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security at community level.
The model enables rural communities to exploit the water resources within their vicinity to create a self-sufficient and food surplus economy. — @DubeMatutu
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter