12 Dec 2016

The Lake Ngami Conversation Trust chairperson, Mr Frisco Gabokakangwe says everything is on track at the lake since lifting of the fishing ban.

The suspension was lifted as of December 1 and only fishermen with valid fishing permits and licences were allowed to fish.

Mr Gabokakangwe said in an interview that they were enjoying a good working relationship with the fishermen adding that they were complying with all the set rules and regulations by the trust.

“About 287 fishermen were allowed to fish at the lake and they are currently at different camps,” he said.

It was reported that the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism approved 200 licences of which 150 was put aside for the six villages that have been designated as member communities in the trust while the outsiders had to battle for the remaining fifty licences using a Yes/No system.

About 87 existing licences were still valid until end of 2017 and the holders were allowed to fish.

Meanwhile,   Mr Gabokakangwe raised a concern about theft of nets at the lake noting that they had received several complaints from their clients that some fishermen who were fishing illegally were terrorising them.

He said efforts to seek assistance from police to patrol the camps were not successful as the law enforcement did not come forth.

He said they took up the issue with the office of the district commissioner and were promised that a patrol team would assist.

For his part, Sehithwa Police station commander, Superintendent Elias Malope denied receiving any report from the trust management or fishermen at the lake.

He said normally when they receive a report they attend it without failure citing some past criminal incidents at the lake ranging from murder, assaults and theft.

He also pointed out lack of resources to patrol the lake as a challenge saying some thieves hide in islands and to reach the area they need a boat. Superintendent Malope said during their patrols they rely on assistance from Department of Wildlife and National Parks as they had boats. ENDS