Marythar Kambinda
KATIMA MULILO – Freshwater fish returned to the local markets this week at Katima Mulilo, marking the end of the annual summer fishing ban.
The fishing moratorium which usually comes into effect every December is done in order conserve freshwater fish in the Zambezi region.
The lifting of the moratorium brought the much-needed relief for those whose livelihoods are dependent on selling fish.
One of the fish vendors, Nasilele Mbala could not contain her joy at the Katima Mulilo open market this week.
“I am so happy that we are able to sell fish again, especially now that the children are back at school. I can now add on the missing items that we could not buy, such as pencils and books for my kids. I have fish ranging from N$15 for smaller fish up to N$40 for the bigger fish,” she said.
She further stated life was difficult during the ban period.
“One is used to being able to at least buy bread every day for the kids, but that was not the case, now that we are able to sell again, life is much easier,” added Mbala.
Although the fishing season is now open, this reporter observed that there was still a scarcity of fish in the market.
Mbala was, however, hopeful that things would improve in the coming weeks.
“The reason we do not have plenty of fish at the moment is that during the closure, people did not replace their fishing nets as most are damaged, but by next week, it will be business as usual.
The floods also affect the amount of fish one can catch, but once the water subsides, there will be plenty of fish,” stated Mbala.