The Honorable Minister of Fisheries, Mrs. Princess Dugba, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of MFMR Mrs. Elizabeth Hawa Ellie has embarked on a crucial inspection visit to the Bo Fisheries Experimental Research Center in Bo Town, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering the aquaculture sector. The primary focus of the visit was to assess the functionality of the Ministry’s Aquacultural fish ponds and the efficacy of fish feed processing equipment installed at the center.During the inspection, Mrs. Princess Dugba meticulously examined the operational status of the aquacultural fish ponds, emphasizing the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices in meeting the nation’s seafood demand and enhancing food security. She expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far but stressed the need for continuous innovation and investment to optimize productivity.Furthermore, the Honorable Minister inspected the installed fish feed processing equipment’s, hatchery and the 55KVA Lister standby generator, highlighting its pivotal role in value addition and market competitiveness. She emphasized the importance of modern processing techniques in ensuring quality control and meeting international standards, is essential towards accessing global markets and boosting export potential.
Discussing with Sheku Sei head of unit for Marine Artisanal, Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries, Mrs. Princess Dugba actively listened to concerns regarding challenges hindering the effective functioning of the center; including issues such as inadequate finance to produce fish feed.
Reflecting on the visit, Sheku Sei expressed optimism about the future of the fisheries sector, acknowledging the Honorable Minister’s unwavering dedication to its advancement. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and local communities to overcome existing hurdles and unlock the full potential of aquaculture in driving economic growth and livelihood improvement.
As the inspection concluded, Minister Dugba affirmed her commitment to supporting the Aquaculture unit of the ministry, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and sustainable development. The visit to the Bo Fisheries Experimental Research Center served as a testament to the government’s proactive approach towards harnessing the vast opportunities within the aquaculture industry, paving the way for a thriving and resilient fisheries sector in Sierra Leone.
The Hon. Minister and the Permanent Secretary also visited Bowai Private Fish farm in Bo town to assess it operation and facility.
©#Rahman Rogers