Fish traders in Kalabo District in Western Province have staged a peaceful demonstration against the extension of the annual fish ban from 1st March to 30th April 2018.
The over one hundred traders who matched to the office of the District Commissioner said government must consider lifting the fishing ban in order to alleviate household poverty.
One of the traders Pelekelo Chalula noted that fishing is the main source of livelihoods for people in the area.
Ms. Chalula said proceeds from fish trade are used to enhance household economy, send children to school, look after the vulnerable and strengthen family ties.
Another trader, Oliver Mafo stated that floods have ravaged crop fields forcing some farmers to venture into fish trade to enable them look after their families.
Mr. Mafo noted that extending the fishing ban had potential to promote illegal activities such as poaching as a way of earning income.
The traders have since appealed to government to allow them to only carry out fishing activities within the district so that they are not subjected to the Cholera epidemic affecting urban areas.
And justifying the protest, Luanginga Ward Councilor Francis Mungomba compared the area’s fishing sector to a mine that offers employment to many local people.
Mr. Mungomba disclosed that fishing is an economic engine that drives the local economy of Kalabo as the proceeds sustain both household families and business outlets.
And Kalabo District Commissioner, Fridah Luhila said government has taken note of the concerns raised by the fish traders.
Mrs. Luhila said government will consult key stakeholders before responding to the traders’ concerns.
OK
Jerabos got their source of income, but why us fishermen getting tormented?
This is what happens when PF ministers fail to payback salaries for occupying the offices illegally…there is a complete breakdown in the law.
I thought the article title said KALABA (HARRY) TRADERS, it’s fine no comment then.
So these people can not do anything else for one month…they would rather deplete the whole river fishing with mosquito nets. Surely govt needs to educate these fishermen to invest their income in animal husbandry and vegetable farming to sustain them in such periods…this greed mentality from top has now trickled down to peasants!
HaNegatives: “This is what happens when Lungu is the president: Livingstone gets flooded!” Low IQs from embiciles!
Go Kalabo go! You will wake up when fish is depleted and you become like the Luapulans!
kalabo people its jst happened cuz u were dancing half naked dununa reverse nw why are u complaining.
This kind of business is selfish thinking for
themselves its right to extend the ban at least it gives more room and time for fish to breed.
“Another trader, Oliver Mafo stated that floods have ravaged crop fields forcing some farmers to venture into fish trade to enable them look after their families.”
OK! WHAT IF THE FISH IS DEPLETED? BUT, AGAIN DO THE AUTHORITIES EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE CONCERNED WHY THERE SHOULD BE A FISH-BAN OR ANYTHING-BAN? THE AUTHORITIES MUST EXPLAIN THE CONCERNED PEOPLE WHAT THESE THINGS MEAN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ECONOMY AND ECOLOGY AND OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES IMPACTED WHEN THERE’S EXTINCT ON A NATURAL RESOURCE. RESIDENTS SHOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO OTHER INCOME-GENERATING ACTIVITIES DURING SUCH BANS.
There’s no fish to talk about. ..it got depleted with the departure of the muzungu.
Mr. Peter I have been explaining to UPND cadres how the government has changed the face of Zambia but tribal politics makes people blind, insetitive and dull Do you think the villagers will understand when they think at the same leve as HaJ and HaSpaka?
IT IS TIME FOR ZAMBIANS TO START FISH FARMING. THE RIVERS ARE DEPLETED FROM OVER FISHING. RAISING FISH WILL BE THE LONG TERM SOLUTION>
That’s the way to go international ORDER.