CEEC-Backed Aquaculture Project to Launch in Senanga
The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), in partnership with the Department of Fisheries, will soon launch an aquaculture project in Senanga District that is expected to significantly boost fish production and strengthen the local economy in Western Province.
According to a statement issued by Mr Mwakoi Njekwa, Principal Public Relations Officer for Western Province, the initiative will unite four cooperatives into a single union, bringing together 400 beneficiaries.
The project will see the installation of 126 fish cages, each capable of stocking 24,000 fingerlings. In the first year, 56 cages will be stocked with 6,000 fingerlings each, with an expected yield of 39.44 tonnes in two annual cycles, representing a 22 per cent increase in current production levels. At full scale, output is projected to reach 120.96 tonnes annually—a 350 to 450 per cent rise.
A hatchery with the capacity to produce one million fingerlings annually will also be established, compared to the current 400,000. In addition, a cold storage truck and cold room container will be stationed in Mongu to support the fish cold chain and ensure fresh produce reaches consumers.
Projections suggest that in its first year, the project could generate K806,400 from fish sales and K1 million from fingerling sales, amounting to K1.8 million. At full capacity, revenues may reach K8.26 million, compared to current earnings of between K1.72 million and K1.96 million.
To promote accountability and efficiency, the Provincial Fisheries Office has developed a digital monitoring system to track feeding regimes, water temperature, fish growth, and disease management, with cloud-based data storage and automated alerts.
The union has pledged to repay the CEEC loan on time, stressing that the fund is revolving and designed to support more fish farmers across the province.
Mr Njekwa noted that the project is expected to empower not only the 400 cooperative members but also affiliated farmers, strengthen food security, and contribute to rural economic development in Western Province.
