The initiative aims to improve seafood storage, minimize spoilage, and increase household incomes.
ZANZIBAR: Fishermen and fish traders in Southern Pemba may soon see post-harvest losses significantly reduced, thanks to modern fish storage equipment distributed to local communities by the government in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, the government recently provided fish preservation equipment to fishermen and traders in the Mkoani, Mwambe, and Kengeja “shehias”
The initiative aims to improve seafood storage, minimize spoilage, and increase household incomes.
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Omar Juma Suleiman, Chief Coordinator in the Department of Fisheries Development, urged beneficiaries to maintain the equipment properly to ensure its long-term use and broader community benefit.
He noted that well-cared-for equipment would make it easier for beneficiaries to qualify for additional support from the government and development partners in the future.
Fisheries Supervisory Officer, Mr. Ali Said Ali stressed that the equipment must be used strictly for its intended purpose, preserving fish immediately after harvest or during trade to prevent spoilage and unnecessary losses.
“These facilities belong to you, but they must be used responsibly. It would be unwise to find them being used for storing drinking water or for unrelated activities,” he cautioned.
Due to limited availability, beneficiaries were advised to share the equipment within their groups. Anyone leaving the fishing or fish trading business was encouraged to return the equipment to the local “Sheha” so it could be used by others.
Project Coordinator, Mr. Edwin Rutakunuwa explained that the equipment was provided based on priorities identified by the community itself.
He added that the project also addresses the needs of seaweed traders, noting that seaweed processing and ice-making machines are already available, with more expected to be installed in Kengeja soon.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and FAO, stating that the equipment will enable them to store fish safely and substantially cut down on spoilage and financial losses.
Fish trader Sania Yussuf Sheha from Mwambe said the equipment has resolved a long-standing challenge, replacing the unsafe buckets previously used for storage.
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