Written by Carren Papai 2012-04-26 12:04:00 Read 444 Times

The area district officer Abdul Jamanda stocking the pond (in blue) and the district fisheries officer in black being assisted by the residents.

Over 6000 households in Kolanya location Teso North District will benefit from fish farming launched by the government in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday.

Speaking at one of the fishing ponds, Teso North Fisheries officer Jared Agano said that the project introduced in the year 2011 will benefit more than 6000 residents in the area.

“ The project is going to be of vital help as it will help at least 6000 to fend their families and provide an immediate source of employment to many youth loitering at home with no employment,’’ said Mr. Agano.

 Agano revealed that the government of Kenya through the ministry of fisheries development, Teso district, was allocated funds during The Financial Year 2010/2011 amounting to Sh 250,000 for construction of a shallow water reservoir. He added that Kolanya dam was identified through stimulus program management committee (SPMC) for rehabilitation

 The officer further said that a total amount of Sh 41,400 has been used in the mobilization and establishment of a dam committee, bush clearing and excavation of the dam and purchase of the fingerlings.

 During the launch, the fisheries officer appealed to the dam committee, ministry of water and stakeholders to cooperate together to help expand the dam for the community to make proper use of the project.

“The dam committee should be ready to stock the pond after six months and not to rely on the ministry and the government for help again,” added the district fisheries officer.

 As a way of safeguarding and protecting the now public utility, the area district officer Abdul Jamanda  among the convoy issued a stern warning to any person whom will give an attempt of stealing  from the pond, urging them to make proper use of the project saying that it will benefit those most.

“If you capitalize on the project fully, you will be able to sell fish, educate your children and improve your nutrition,” explained Jamanda.

 The community lauded the project  especially women who vowed to own the dam and make maximum use of the pond, by introducing  tree planting program and vegetables to help themselves and stop depend on their husbands .

 However, the area chief Mr. Evans Emage appealed to the Ministry of fisheries to help in the fencing of the pond to help curb theft cases and  to keep away animals grazing around the pond. He asked parents to warn their children playing around the pond to avoid accidents now that the place has no fence.

Switch to Our Mobile Site