- NDIA to design wharf, young people to benefit from agricultural opportunities
Agriculture Minister Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha this afternoon visited the Rivers View area in Ruimveldt, following a visit by His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali yesterday, to engage residents and fisherfolk and advance interventions arising from concerns raised during the President’s visit.
Minister Mustapha conducted a walk-through of the community and met with fisherfolk to hear their concerns and identify areas where the Ministry of Agriculture can provide support.
“Yesterday, President Ali visited the area, and a number of issues were raised with him, so he asked that I come to deal with the issues that fall under the Ministry of Agriculture. I spoke with the fisherfolk here, and they raised some concerns. They said they wanted a wharf, so I visited the area they have there. Currently, they have small individual landing sites. I’ve asked the management of the NDIA to assess the space and develop an appropriate design so that a proper wharf can be constructed,” Minister Mustapha said.
He said the proposed wharf will provide a more organized space for fisherfolk to operate, including safe storage of seines, nets, boats and other fishing equipment, while providing an appropriate facility for mooring boats and offloading catches.
The Minister said NDIA Chairman Lionel Wordsworth, along with a technical team from the Authority, will return to the area in the coming days to conduct the assessment and begin the process of developing the wharf’s design. Once the design is completed, the project will be tendered for construction.
Minister Mustapha also addressed concerns from fisherfolk who did not receive the recently distributed Fisherfolk Relief Grant. He said fisheries officers will collect their information and, following verification, those confirmed as active fisherfolk will be added to the Ministry’s database and will be eligible to receive the assistance.
“Some of the fisherfolk here did say that they received, so we just have to capture those who were not registered. So, we will work with them to ensure they are registered so that they too can benefit from the grant. Overall, we will work with them to enhance their position and ensure that they benefit from the resources that are extended to other fisherfolk around the country,” he said.
The Minister noted that other Cabinet Ministers will also be visiting the community to address issues falling within their respective portfolios. He said several residents have expressed a willingness to relocate, given the current conditions in the area, and that those concerns will also be addressed as Government continues its engagement with the community.
Minister Mustapha also outlined plans to create opportunities for young people in the area through agriculture. He said the Ministry will work with young residents, particularly those completing school and at tertiary institutions, to identify a suitable area where a shadehouse can be established for the cultivation of high-value crops.
“Our officers from NAREI will work with you to establish the shadehouse and guide you on what to plant and the most appropriate farming techniques. Once you start getting production, we will work with you through the New GMC to find markets,” the Minister said.
