Africa-Press – Angola. Fishermen from the commune of Egypt Praia, in Lobito municipality, Benguela province, need at least 40 boats to boost artisanal fishing in that region.
This difficulty was expressed to the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmen do Sacramento dos Santos, who visited the locality and found out about the current state of the Support Center for Artisanal Fishing, built there.
Fisherman Joaquim Ramos said that the region has more than 400 fishermen and that the five existing vessels are not enough to guarantee large-scale activity.
According to the professional, to meet the demand, at least 40 boats would be needed, thus boosting the activity of the Center which, since its opening, has not lived up to expectations.
“These means will make it possible to increase the levels of fish capture and employability, especially for young people in the locality”, he emphasized.
Francisco Domingos, who shares the same opinion, argues, however, that the vessels should be sold to fishermen, to guarantee greater profitability.
“With more means of fishing it will be possible to occupy the young people who, despite the lack of boats, have been helping the community with trawling, so that the ladies and families can maintain their livelihood”, added Ilídio Adriano, another fisherman.
Meanwhile, the provincial director of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Gomes, informed that in the coming days another 20 boats will be delivered to the associations of Egypt Praia.
According to the official, the Government of Benguela has already contacted a carpentry company that will be responsible for building the said vessels.
Questioned about the almost inoperative state of the Center, José Gomes defended the need to continue to mobilize fishermen so that they realize its usefulness.
The person in charge clarified that the fish taken to the center is treated, frozen and packaged to be sold at a higher price, which allows the fisherman to profit a little more.
Minister wants more profitability from the Artisanal Fishing Center
Minister Carmen do Sacramento dos Santos asked the manager of the Support Center for Artisanal Fishing to be more dynamic, profitable and accountable, with a view to contributing to the sector’s expenses.
The official argues, on the other hand, that it is necessary to build a pier bridge or other type of infrastructure that connects to the center and allows the direct landing of the fish.
As for the situation of artisanal fishing vessels, Carmen do Sacramento dos Santos assured that the ministry will pay greater attention to the case.
With regard to citizens who insist on exploiting salt in prohibited areas, this in the municipality of Lobito, he made it known that the Government of Benguela is working on a project to rehouse the families that are there.
The Egypt Beach Artisanal Fishing Support Center was inaugurated in 2020, has a capacity for 15 tons of fish and 20 for freezing.
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