Esau happy with Epalela fish farm

FISHERIES minister Bernhard Esau said he is happy with the new face of the Epalela fish farm near Ruacana.

Fishcor renovated the farm at a cost of N$1,8 million.

Esau visited the farm in the company of his deputy permanent secretary Ueritjiua Kauaria, Omusati regional governor Erigius Endjala and Fishcor chairman James Hatuikulipi.

The government initiated the Epalela fish farm in 2003 with the aim of developing the region and enhancing food security, creating employment and improving the living standards of the communities in the region. There are two earth ponds, nine concrete ponds, one irrigation pond, one pump and pipelines from the canal to the pond. In addition, there is a slaughter house, drying shed, farm manager’s house, hostel block, feed and equipment store, staff accommodation and a guard house.

Esau said when he visited the farm in August 2015, the facilities were in a dilapidated state, especially the Epalela hostel, the farm building and the storeroom floor.

The work done by Fishcor included the painting of all farm buildings, the renovation and furnishing of the hostel block and the storeroom floor as well as the replacement of all the damaged cupboards.

All this, he explained, cost N$1 849 578,70. “This is what the government wants to see, where the business sector meets the government halfway in order to assist in the country’s development,” Esau stated.

Hatuikulipi said aquaculture will once developed play a vital role in food security, employmentcreation and incomegeneration for rural communities.

“I am confident that we will implement more projects together through this partnership, going forward, to make an impact and enhance the lives of all Namibians – especially the most vulnerable – and ensure that no one feels left behind,” Hatuikulipi noted.