Fishcor finances Epalela fish farm renovations

EPALELA – The National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor) has financed the renovation of the Epalela Fish Farm of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources at a cost of N$2 million.

The renovation project was carried out between March and May this year.
Fisheries and marine resources minister Bernhard Esau on Saturday received the renovated facilities situated in the Omusati region’s Uukolonkadhi traditional district.

He pointed out that the Epalela Fish Farm facility was initiated and established between 2003 and 2006 by the government at a cost of N$9,2 million.

Construction of 12 earth dams, nine concrete ponds, an irrigation pond, a pump and pipelines from the water canal to the ponds as well as the farm fencing, office building, slaughter house, drying shed, manager’s house, hostel block, feed and equipment store was completed in 2006.

Esau said the renovation was necessitated by fading paint due to extreme heat in northern Namibia and the hostel that was not up to standard, which meant students were not very comfortable.
“It was a bad picture and maintenance was needed. This prompted my office to source funds in order to renovate the dilapidated facilities at Epalela Fish Farm,” he explained.

Appreciating the financial support, Esau said government wants to see the business sector meeting it halfway in order to assist in the country’s development.
“This gesture from Fishcor is highly appreciated and I urge other businesses to emulate example to assist in national development projects,” he said.

Epalela is the biggest government fresh water fish farm in the country.
Fishcor is the holding company of Seaflower Whitefish Corporation, in which the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine resources is a shareholder.
Handing over the facility, Fishcor board chairperson James Hatuikulipi said aquaculture, once very well−developed, will play a vital role in food security, employment creation and income generation for the rural communities in the country.

The aim of the renovation was to ensure the proper management of the facilities, improve the living standard of staff and students through proper accommodation and also to ensure the safety of the fish feed management and maintenance of quality.
– Nampa