New fish market to boost jobs, investment in South Pemba

ZANZIBAR: Market in Mkoani is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate business and investment for residents of Mkoani District and surrounding areas.

Zanzibar Second Vice-President (2VP), Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, said this while inaugurating the modern fish market in Mbuyuni, South Pemba Region.

He described the facility as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector, adding value to marine products and improving the livelihoods of fishermen by providing a safe and well-organised working environment.

Mr Abdulla said the market will enhance fish storage, increase incomes for fishermen, vendors and traders and improve the overall efficiency of the fisheries value chain.

He directed the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to establish effective management systems for the market and ensure that shop spaces and stalls are allocated fairly to deserving beneficiaries based on actual demand.

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The 2VP also stressed that user fees charged at the market should reflect the income levels of citizens and that all revenue collections be conducted through digital systems to ensure transparency and direct remittance to the government.

Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Massoud Ali Mohammed, said the government has already set aside funds for the construction of a fish processing factory behind the market, noting that preliminary mapping and design works have begun.

He added that the ministry will continue upgrading blue economy infrastructure while closely addressing the needs of fishermen and seaweed farmers, whom he described as key contributors to national economic growth. Presenting a technical report, Permanent Secretary – in the Ministry, Captain Hamad Bakari said more than 10bn/- provided by the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government was spent on constructing the modern fish market.

He said the facility is expected to serve more than 10,000 people, accommodate storage for 200 fishing vessels per day,and provide business opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs.

South Pemba Regional Commissioner, Mr Rashid Hadid Rashid said President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has implemented major reforms in the blue economy sector, including the provision of 239 fishing boats, significantly improving the economic conditions of fishermen and seaweed farmers.

Mkoani Constituency legislator in the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Mr Khamis Mohammed Amrani (Hijazi) urged residents to protect and maintain the market, describing it as a long-awaited project and called for the construction of a nearby fish processing and storage factory to support exports.