EPALELA – Epalela fish farm harvested six tons of fish from its 12 production ponds.
Although the fish farm, situated in Onesi Constituency of the Omusati Region, has a production capacity of 48 tons per year, last year it produced more than its capacity, harvesting 57 tons of tilapia and catfish.
“In terms of infrastructure, the farm is equipped with good production facilities, which includes lined ponds, a feed store, a processing plant, freezers, incinerators just to mention a few,” said Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhard Esau.
The minister appealed to local and international partners to join hands in assisting the government in areas of fish production. This, he said, will help the ministry to achieve its national goal of sustainable aquaculture production.
Epalela fish farm was established in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as part of the government’s national goal to enhance food security and promote fish consumption, which would improve the livelihood of the community.
Speaking at the same occasion the Omusati Governor Sophia Shaningwa requested the ministry to provide more aquaculture in her region, stating that they have soil and good conditions for maintaining it.
The harvest was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, regional councillors, traditional authorities, members of the community as well as police officials.
By Loide Jason