A MAJOR investment initiative aimed at strengthening local fisheries within the Marovo Constituency in the Western province is set to launch in June 2022.
Initiated by the Marovo Constituency Office (MCO) administration under the leadership of Honourable Chachabule Amoi, MP, the fisheries investment project is funded by the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) program.
Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Tyson Stanley Ghera said the launching of the initiative will see an investment of 160 boats/canoes along with 160 horsepower engines to 160 beneficiaries, to boost local fisheries within the constituency where fish are abundant with potential benefits to people within the constituency.
“Recipients of boats and the horsepower engines will also receive one (1) each 200 liters esky for storage of fish and other perishable goods.
“It is going to be a huge event for the constituency because it will also coincide with the official opening of the Nganisi Market House project also funded by the constituency through RCDF,” Mr. Ghera said.
He said the exciting part of the fisheries project is that the boats/canoes were built by locals of Marovo which is an additional benefit to the constituents adding MCO under the leadership of MP Amoi is also looking at investing in other productive areas to boost economic activities that would bring touchable benefits to his people.
On market transportation, Mr. Ghera said, currently the constituency is working on repairing LC Swift to be used by the constituency as a specified transport for transporting all fisheries (Marovo eskies) and agricultural products to Honiara.
“Initial work on bringing in parts from overseas already done by our MP. We aim to have this (ship) fixed this year so that we could be able to supply fresh fish and other products to the Pacific Games 2023 next year. This ship has a multi-purpose, not only for fishery initiatives but also for other businesses within the Marovo lagoon. It will be scheduled to suit the timing for our fishermen/women unlike other ships,” Mr. Ghera explained.
Mr. Ghera further said that as part of the fisheries initiative, the constituency office is also looking at investing in the installation of an ice-making machine that can produce 70 blocks per day at Seghe to supply blocks for fishermen and livestock farmers.
He added, the constituency is also planning to develop a location in Honiara as an alternative market place for Marovo fish. “This initiative will greatly assist our people because it is one of the major sources of income for our rural people.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ghera re-emphasized that Marovo constituency does not discriminate against members based on a voters-only approach, especially on big projects that will help everybody. “The constituency assists families and individuals regardless of who they vote for. We leave out or get rid of the voters only system because all we want is to make sure everyone participates together in socio-economic activities to improve their livelihoods.”
SOURCE: MRD PRESS
