June 25, 2004

 

 

Wheat Imports Expected In Africa

 

Two cargo vessels are in the high seas headed for the port of Mombasa in Africa with a consignment of 34,200 tons of wheat.

 

The imports will be handled at the ultra-modern Grain Bulk Handling Limited facility.

 

One cargo vessel will arrive at the port on June 26 to discharge 26,000 tons of wheat, and will be followed by another on July 7.

 

A vessel arrived yesterday from Argentina with 19,260 tons of wheat imported by Unga Limited.

 

Meanwhile, seafarers in the country have commended Livestock and Fisheries minister Joseph Munyao for his recent announcement that the Government was considering putting up two additional ports to cater for fishing activities at the Coast.

 

An official of the seafarers association in the country, Andrew Mwangura, said only 40 per cent of vast port land was fully utilised.

 

"The move is long overdue considering the fact that Kenya has a lot of potential in its marine life that is yet to be tapped," said Mwangura.

 

He said Kenyan seafarers were known for their able workmanship which would be important in providing ready labour if such ports were established.

 

The proposed ports will come with storage facilities, cold rooms and bunkering services for fishing vessels.

 

Munyao recently told a stakeholders meeting in Mombasa that the Government was looking for funds to set up the fishing ports in Mombasa and Malindi.