Liberian Fisheries Boss Discloses, as FAO Handover Fisheries Facilities in Banjor and Marshall
PHOTO: Fishmongers and post with Fisheries Boss, Agriculture Minister, and FAO Representative before Banjor Fish Market
(Paynesville City, Liberia)-The Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA has disclosed that Coastal Dwellers particularly fishermen and Fishmongers stand to benefit immensely under the Joseph Boakai-led government.
Addressing Fishmongers in the Banjor and Mashall Fishing communities in Montserrado and Margibi Counties Thursday, December 19, 2024, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO officially turned over a Fish -Market and Fish processing facility referred to as FAO-Thiaroye processing Technique-FTT (a new Technology) to Fishmongers Hon. Emma Metiieh Glassco stated that the turned over ceremony was the beginning of what she termed as greater development in the fisheries sector. “This is the Beginning of Greater Development in the Fisheries Sector”
Hon Glassco disclosed to two groups of Fishmongers on separate occasions that in addition to the fish market and the Fish processing facility, the government, with help from its international Partners, will provide other fisheries facilities including an industrial fishing port and mini Ports for Artisanal Fishermen and additional equipment for fishmongers to improve their livelihoods and increase their earnings.
Hon Glassco further stated that the Fish -Market, and Fish processing facility constructed with funding from the Japanese government and implemented by the FAO are equipped with freezers powered by solar panels, fresh water supply, modern fish drying equipment, other fish handling equipment, office spaces, and washrooms.
“These facilities will enable the fishmongers or women who process fish either fresh or dry to sell their fish and fish products in a conducive environment”
The Liberian Fisheries Director General noted that the Fish handling facilities meet all required international standards for fishmongers to operate and prepare fish products for sale at all times.
Also speaking during the handover of the Fish Market in Banjor, the FAO Representative to Liberia Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya informed the fishmongers that the facility is not just a structure but represents what she termed as hope and opportunity for the fishmongers. “This is not just a structure but represents hope and opportunity for many of you fishmongers”
Madam Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya noted that the fish market in Banjor was designed to accommodate fifty women fish processors and will enable them to trade fresh, smoked, and frozen fish efficiently.
Making special remarks and cutting the ribbon, Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah assured the Fishmongers that Joseph Boakai-led government will work closely with FAO and the Management of NaFAA to pave the surroundings of the Banjor fish market.
Dr. Nuetah mentioned that the government is aware of the important role fishmongers are playing in the country and this is the reason it is seeking international support to enhance their productivity across the country.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA Dr. Alexander Nuetah has highlighted that revenue from fisheries contributes immensely to the National Budget.
Dr. Nuetah also commended the government and the people of Japan for their high-level contributions toward the development of the Liberian Fisheries sector.