By Tiyese Monjeza:
Natural Resources and Climate Change Minister Owen Chomanika has said the country is producing 300,000 metric tonnes (mt) of fish annually, against the 700,000mt fish requirement, describing the situation as worrisome.
He said the situation was forcing the country to be importing fish.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during the launch of fish landing facilities at Kachulu along Lake Chilwa in Zomba.
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The fish landing site cost K300 million and comprises a fish storeroom, washroom, fish processing and marketing shelter.
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“We are not producing enough fish stock to meet the demand. The government, under the Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management (SFAD-MW) Project, has constructed 15 fish landing sites to counter post-fish harvest losses to ensure improved fish production,” Chomanika said.
He further called on people to embrace fish farming to increase fish production.
“Fish farming has the potential to stir up the country’s economy,” Chomanika said.
Meanwhile, sub-Traditional Authority Lamusi has asked the government to consider rehabilitating the Matawale-Kachulu road for easy transportation of fish to Limbe and Zomba City markets.
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Zomba District Council chairperson, Councillor Brazio Chinthenga, said they would ensure tight security at the landing site.
“We will put bylaws pertaining to the management of this facility,” Chinthenga said.
Lake Chilwa produces an average of 25,000mt of fish annually.
