CEEC PUMPS IN OVER 3 MILLION KWACHA IN FISH FARMING ON THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE.

The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has disbursed a total amount of K3, 191,558.83 to thirty-two (32) projects in the Copperbelt Province, in particular Luanshya and Kalulushi districts.

According to the Fisheries National Annual Development Plan 2010 2015, the Copperbelt Province on average has an annual fish deficit of 10,982 tonnes, which means the deficit is met from outside the province with the bulk of it being imported from Asia hence the need to invest in the fish value chain in order to address the National deficit.

The move is in line with the industrialization and Job Creation Strategy of Government to develop the value chain clusters in districts in a bid to create jobs and wealth.

CEEC Public Relations and Communications  Glenda Masebe says the funded  investments along the fish value chain are mainly in production and processing and 92  direct jobs have been created as a result of the program.

Ms Masabe says CEEC support to the fish value chain cluster on the Copperbelt Province has resulted in significant benefits to the community such as employment opportunities for targeted citizens namely youth, women and the disabled in line with Government policy to create sustainable jobs for this category of citizens.

She says the Commission has supported 32 fish farmers and each farmer has constructed two fish ponds measuring 50m X 25m giving a total of 64 ponds.

Ms. Masebe explains that each of the farms has a pond area of 2,500 square metres (12,500 fingerlings) to produce 4 mt of fish per 6-month cycle, realizing annual production of 8 mt over two the year.

The Commission has invested in the fish value chain due to its potential to drive the economy of Zambia to greater heights. Aquaculture is an important component of Zambia’s Fisheries sector which significantly contributes to income,job creation and national food security.