In line with a recent commitment by President Irfaan Ali, the government has announced an investment of $350 million to improve the working conditions for fisherfolk at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha made the announcement during a visit to the community on Friday.
“Over $350 million will be expended to enhance your landing site,” Mustapha stated.
Mon Repos is a significant fishing hub in the country, with approximately 500 fisherfolk operating in the area.
The planned improvements include constructing a ramp for boats to facilitate the unloading of catches and expanding an existing shed.
Additionally, an access road will be built.
“We will do a ramp for the boats, we will do the entire revetment there, we will expand the shed, we will do stalls because what we experience too. The boat was selling to the trucks, the fish but when they go to the market.
“You have to pay double the price. So at these landing sites, we will be building stalls and we will be encouraging people so they can come to the landing site to purchase fish,” Mustapha explained.
Overall, Mustapha said the enhancements will allow fisherfolk to operate more effectively and provide consumers with easier access to fresh fish.
