16 Aug 2016

The Mmadinare Fish Hatchery which was constructed in 2006 is in the process of being refurbished.

The hatchery which is a government initiative to promote fish farming around the country was a result of the need to produce adequate fish seed to enhance reservoir fisheries and aquaculture development.

The hatchery also serve as a research and demonstration centre and the facilities which include ponds, reticulating system plant, greenhouse, soak way, reservoir tank and administration block as well as staff houses currently need maintenance.

During a tour of the facility, the hatchery, aquaculture advisor from Office of the President under the Poverty Eradication Coordinating Unit, Mr Ghulam Kibria said the hatchery was built with the intention to produce around 400 to 500 thousand fingerlings of both tilapia and catfish per annum and distribute them to fish farmers around the country.

He noted that at the present moment production is being done at the ponds since the reticulating plant is no longer functioning. 

“In the financial year 2016/2017 the feeds for fish were not budgeted for which led to total failure of fish production,” he said.

He also mentioned that the greenhouse which was intended to help in overwintering by retaining heat during winter and cool days so that there was continued production of fish was in a poor state and in need of replacement.

He further indicated that the raw water supply responsible for supplying the dam to the hatchery was leaking resulting in a lot of water being lost thereby affecting the supply pressure at the feeder tank.

Mr Kibria indicated that the reticulating system which consists of a hatchery house and water cleaning component was non-functional due to broken water pipes and fallen ceiling and needs complete maintenance including the water cleaning plant.

Regarding the administration block, Mr Kibria said the facility has a reception office, manager’s office, laboratory, kitchen, two store rooms and toilets.

He said currently the administration block is still intact and requires minimum attention in toilets and the ceiling. 

He said the reticulating system consists of a hatchery house and water cleaning component which includes 20 culture tanks used for rearing fingerlings was currently non-functional due to broken water pipes and fallen ceiling. 

He said the system need 100 per cent maintenance.

Mr Kibria went on to indicate that the hatchery has not been abandoned as some speculations state. 

He mentioned that government was in the process of sourcing funds to rehabilitated the plant and will be operational in due time.

In the meantime, recently the Department of Buildings and Electronic Services as well as PECU visited the plant to assess the state of the hatchery. 

Mr Kibria indicated that scope of work including tendering for contractors from private sector would be ready by end of September.

He mentioned that the procurement of the hatchery brood stock would commence with immediate effect. 

He said the existing construction work including renovation tasks are planned to start in October while the hatchery production is anticipated to begin in December 2016. ENDS