Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has announced plans for the construction of a “proper” wharf at Riverview, following concerns raised by fisherfolk during President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s walkabout in the community on Wednesday.
Additionally, the government will purchase catches from fisherfolk in Riverview as part of efforts to address concerns over marketing.
Minister Mustapha visited the community on Thursday to follow up on the issues raised with the President. He said the main concerns raised by fisherfolk included the absence of a proper landing facility and difficulties in marketing their catches.
“I asked NDIA head Lionel, who is our engineer, to go there and do a proper design. We will make a proper wharf for them,” the minister said.
He explained that fisherfolk currently operate from individual and small landing sites, where they face challenges accessing and storing their equipment.
According to Mustapha, the proposed facility will include a designated area for boats to moor and for fisherfolk to safely board and disembark. It will also provide storage space for seines, nets, hooks and other fishing equipment.
The minister said arrangements will also be made to assist fisherfolk in finding markets for their catches, while the ministry will work to register and organize those involved in the sector.
“We will register the fisher folks and get them properly organized so we can have a database,” he said, noting that many residents in the area depend solely on fishing for their livelihoods.
Mustapha said the initiative is intended to strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and ensure they can benefit from government resources being invested in the sector.
