April 21, 2008

Government in Namibia invests in new aqua project

The Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has allocated N$8 million (US$1 million) to start a major aquaculture project at Leonardville village in the Omaheke Region.

Dr Abraham Iyambo, Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister announced the funding during a fish consumption promotion and harvesting campaign last Saturday.

A feasibility study indicated that the region has plenty of quality water and bring about jobs and other economic benefits to the regions.

Leonardville is thought to have particular potential for high quality fish farming.

The ministry would spend N$1 million to design the project, and another N$3 million the following year for infrastructure and further N$4 million on human resources and capacity building.

He added that similar projects are expected to be started in the Omusati and Hardap regions.

"The people of the cattle country are, slowly but surely, getting the message of diversification of farming methods and I can assure that given enough fresh water resources in the constituency and the support of the ministry in terms of training and material support, this sector will grow and take its rightful place in the household economies of our communities," said Aminuis Settlement's Chief Control Officer, Gustav Kauta.