By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
LUAPULA Province Permanent Secretary Bornface Chimbwali has called for increased fish farming in view of fish depletion in natural water bodies in the area.
Mr Chimbwali said there was need to diversify to fish farming activities as most water bodies were depleting at an alarming rate.
The permanent secretary said fish farmers should find alternative ways of increasing fish by digging fish ponds in their backyards and avoid depending on water bodies.
“We have observed that fish in most of the water bodies has depleted, because of over-dependence on fishing,” Mr Chimbwali said.
“It is important for farmers to diversify and venture into aquaculture, which is fish farming ,” he said
Mr Chimbwali had since written to Mansa District Commissioner to identify the number of people that were involved in aquaculture with a view of forming cooperatives.
He said the provincial administration had an ambitious programme which was using Pave Zambia as an anchor for youth employment.
Mr Chimbwali said this would be achieved by encouraging youths in the district to form cooperatives. Using Pave Zambia, youths can be empowered through block making and manufacturing of pavers using locally-sourced materials.
