By CHRISTINE MWAABA –
THE completion of the Mongu–Kalabo Road has elated fishermen who are now able to sell their catches easily and make more profit than in the past.
One of the fishermen Moses Mute says the fish business in the past faced a lot of challenges ranging from ready market to transportation to the nearest selling points.
He says the new road and bridge project has made the way of doing business easier such that there are more people travelling between Mongu and Kalabo who, in the process, are able to buy the fish.
Mr Mute, a youth who has been in fish business for close to seven years, has hailed government for providing a platform in form of the new road network as it will further enable him build his business.
He says with the completion of the road and bridges, he will be able to catch more fish due to higher demand which he has to meet.
Mr Mute attributes the positive development on his business to the increased number of people that are now frequenting the area.
Meanwhile, Mongu District Commissioner Susiku Kamona says residents are happy with the increased number of banks established in the district totaling to seven.
These are Zanaco, Indo Zambia Bank, Barclays Bank, Investrust Bank, Access Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and NATSAVE Bank.
Mr Susiku says the residents are saying the presence of more banks gives them an opportunity to easily access various banking services.
He says with the presence of the banks, people are able to access financial services such as loans, overdraft with ease unlike in the past when they used to travel to Lusaka and other places.
Mr Susiku also says the banks in the district signify the growth of the economic activities.
“Business is growing as evident from a number of projects that have been established in Mongu making them require financial services and safety of their money,” he says.
Frederick Inambao, a resident said he is now able to pay utility bills, school fees, and Dstv subscription through the bank.
Mr Inambao who sells rice and fish says he is able to get a bank loan so as to boast his business.