Gov�t to set up fish market at Lake Ngami
Boniface Keakabetse | Friday July 28, 2017 15:37
This follows findings of a study undertaken by the Okavango Research Institute on Lake Ngami fish stocks, which proved that the lake has a healthy fish population.
Khama told BusinessWeek that the study has revealed that the Lake Ngami has a healthy fish population despite perceived overfishing.
He said it has been discovered that the fish in the lake multiply quickly and turn to have a short live span.
The fish market can be dedicated to wholesale trade between fishermen and fish merchants.
Currently, Batswana traders sell their fish at the Kasumabalesa market between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It is high time we set up a similar market here in Botswana,” Khama said.
“The market will ensure Batswana are not cheated for their fish like it is the case at the moment,” he added.
He said to help the local communities, they plan to set up a fish market that will contribute to the local economy and uplift livelihoods.
Khama revealed that his ministry stopped export of dried fish after finding that Batswana were cheated by foreign fish traders for their fish.
Meanwhile, the ministry has denied that there is a ban on the export of fresh fish saying the only prohibition is for the export of dried fish.
“The Ministry has never stopped anyone from transporting fresh fish out of Botswana. It furthermore states that the Ministry has no authority over cross border issues,” the release says.
“The reports that the Minister had instructed the customs officials to follow the trucks across border and return them to Botswana on suspicion that they are carrying fish are malicious and misleading,” it added.