Morobe fish projects get K6 million

THE National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has funded the activities of small-to-medium coastal and inland fishing projects in Morobe to help them expand operations.
NFA provided a total of K6 million, which would fund a loan scheme for small-scale fishers, fish farmers and fisheries-related activities.
NFA signed a deal with two banks – the Nationwide Micro Bank (NMB) and People’s Micro Bank Ltd (PML) – who would manage the lending programme.
The project would be facilitated by the Morobe Fisheries Authority (MFA)
Related to this, managing director John Kasu had presented two 40hp banana boats and cheques for K22,943 each to the first two loan recipients from Finschhafen.
They were Samuel Kaibum of Gingala and Garimu Gayang of Qoya villages at Vocopoint last Friday.
The presentation was witnessed by MFA programme adviser Weti Zozingao, provincial fisheries minister Philemon Tomala, NMB lending manager Tim Lafana and Kevin Ahipum, who is the first secretary to Minister for Fisheries Mao Zeming.
“NFA will continue to support the fisheries credit scheme to help small-scale and artisanal fish farmers nationwide to expand operations.
“The loan would also benefit fish processors, fish haulers, small-engine outboard repair shops and related enterprises that support the SME fisheries activities,” Kasu said.
He said NFA, NMB and PML would review the agreement regularly to ensure the loan would truly serve its purpose.
Zozingao had advised boat operators from Morobe, Salamaua, Labuta, Finschafen, Tewae-Siassi and Northern who used Vocopoint beach front that the area would be dredged three months from now.
 “The dredging would deepen the area to allow fishermen to use the new equipment for weighing, selling ice blocks and other fishing-related activities,” Zozingao said.