Govt to spend $350M to enhance fishing facilities in Mon Repos
Fisherfolk at Mon Repos North, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will soon experience improved working conditions, as the government plans to allocate over $350 million towards enhancing their facilities.
This announcement was made by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday during a land title distribution exercise for residents there. This intervention stems from a previous visit to the area by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
“Over $350 million will be expended to enhance your landing site. We will build a ramp for the boats and fix the entire revetment there. A shed will also be put in place to provide sufficient shade,” the minister stated.
The measures are expected to impact approximately 100 boats operating at the location.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during his previous visit to Mon Repos
The minister also mentioned that stalls would be constructed near the landing site, ensuring consumers have a smoother shopping experience and fisherfolk can sell at better prices.
“What we experienced is that the fishing boats are selling to the trucks, and when they go to the markets, people are paying double the price. Going forward, at these landing sites, we will be building stalls and we are encouraging people to come to the landing sites to purchase fish so that the fisherfolk can get a better price for the fish and the consumer can enjoy a better price as well,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Fishing is one of the main economic activities in the North Mon Repos area, supporting approximately 500 persons. During the president’s visit, he also pledged that an access road would be constructed.
Additionally, the dredging of the waterway in the area is also in the pipeline to address the challenges currently faced by boats due to shallow waters.
