17 Feb 2014

Ngamiland fishermen have proposed a ban on fishing by non-locals.

During a recent meeting, the local fishermen resolved to approach the relevant authorities with the proposal. They complained about the influx of foreigners at Lake Ngami whom they said had camped at the site. They agreed to sell the idea during an upcoming stakeholder’s meeting scheduled for next week at Sehithwa.

The fishermen said despite efforts by the government to encourage Batswana to fight poverty by venturing into small businesses, which would eventually create employment for others, it was frustrating as those foreigners sold the fish cheap and at times exchanged it for food.

They also noted that at times they were awarded tenders to supply big businesses at the expense of the locals. The fishermen observed that their intention was to take the fishing industry to a higher level and ensure that their standard of living improved.

A market place, they said, should be established where the foreigners would be made to buy the product as opposed to doing the fishing for themselves.

Members also raised concern about the untidy environment around the river and resolved that each camp should have a representative who would liaise with the Village Development Committee and Sehithwa Development Trust and also monitor the cleanliness of the surrounding and ensure compliance with the environment regulations.

They noted that untidy environment affected their production and agreed to ensure they worked in a clean environment to attract more customers. On other issues, the fishermen agreed to revive the Okavango Fishermen Association which is based in Shakawe to ensure it executed its mandate effectively.

This came after the chairperson of the cluster, Mr Bareetsi Bogaisang informed the meeting that efforts to register the Lake Ngami Fishing cluster had been futile as they were informed that there was an association that catered for the interest of fishermen in the entire district.

He said they were advised by relevant authorities, as an alternative, to affiliate to the association so that their cluster could be recognised. He said the mandate of the cluster was to look for alternative markets for fishermen in Ngamiland.

“We believe that we should take fishing industry to greater heights as the government encourages us to start businesses which would eventually create jobs for others. I am happy that the industry is doing well as you have employed locals,” he added.

Mr Bogaisang further encouraged team spirit among his fellow members so that they over came the challenges they were facing. He said the government had indicated that only associations could be registered as opposed to clusters.

Members were requested to contribute P50 to affiliate to the mother body. It was revealed that the association which was formed in 1999 had not been functioning well as members were not turning up for meetings. ENDS