Seeks Public-Private Partnership To Boost Fisheries Sector
PHOTO: NaFAA Acting Director J. Cyrus Saygbe and University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Marpanyan before the Center of Excellence facility
The Acting Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, (NaFAA) has officially handed over the World Bank-financed Fisheries College and Regional Center of Excellence facilities to the University of Liberia Administration, disclosing that it envisages shifting much of its operations toward Public-Private Partnerships.
Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. stated that in the coming months, the Fisheries Authority looks forward to welcoming some semi-industrial fiberglass boats, which are due to arrive in Liberia by mid-April, and in addition to the 15 kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled at the contractor’s site in Liberia.
“in the coming months, we look forward to welcoming a semi-industrial fiberglass boat that is expected to arrive in Liberia by mid-April, in addition to the 15 kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled at the contractor’s site in Liberia”.
According to a NaFAA press release, Acting Director General Saygbe further noted that NaFAA will also begin major reconstruction works of the Klay Hatchery and carry out improvements at Robertsports fish landing site, to ensure that it is fully operational. He said those projects will enable NaFAA to diversify its revenue streams and empower the Authority to carry out its mandate as outlined in the Act of 2017.
The newly built facility Hosting Students Classes and Offices of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences
Commenting on the pivotal role the World Bank has played in enhancing the Liberian Fisheries sector transformation, Mr. Saygbe noted that for the past years, the World Bank has been a true partner of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), providing support through multiple streams that have brought tangible infrastructure to Liberia.
Additionally, the Liberian Fisheries Authority Acting Director announced that the Fisheries Management Information System (FIMS), a self-service platform designed to streamline the application and issuance of all licenses, permits, authorizations, and certificates, is set to roll out soon. This system, he said, integrates with both debit and credit card payments as well as mobile money, and is intended to reduce revenue leakages and restructure its operations.
Mr. Saygbe pointed out that in the coming months, NaFAA will introduce an Open House, providing an opportunity for the media and the public to engage directly with NaFAA’s Management as well as Technical Teams and learn more about its work. He later mentioned that NaFAA plans to reintroduce the Fisheries Hour radio talk show on State Radio and broadcast it through various rural community radio stations and as well as on other news outlets. He indicated that the Fisheries Hour radio talk show will ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, fostering transparency and engagement with the people of Liberia, particularly coastal dwellers.
Furthermore, presenting the two facilities officially to the administration of the University of Liberia through its President Dr. Layli Marpanyan, Mr. Saygbe said the Center of Excellence, consists of 28 rooms, 14 of which are self-contained, as well as 11 classrooms, 7 offices, and 4 bathrooms at the new UL College of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He added that the state-of-the-art infrastructure is the product of a partnership between the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA, and the World Bank.
“Madam President, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I now turn to the official handover of the Center of Excellence, consisting of 28 rooms, 14 of which are self-contained, as well as 11 classrooms, 7 offices, and 4 bathrooms at the new UL College of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is the product of a partnership between the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA, and the World Bank.