Fish prices up due to 'low supply, increased demand'

Fish prices have significantly gone up in various markets in the Eastern Province forcing many people to scrap it off their menu. Fish that previously sold at between Rwf1,200 and 1,500 a kilogramme now goes for Rwf2,500 a kilogramme, according to a mini-survey conducted by The New Times. Several residents and fishermen attributed the rise in prices to increased demand for fish from local markets and Kigali hotels which exceeds current supply. “Hundreds of middlemen queue at lake shores to buy from fishermen to sell to hotels. In most cases, you find no fish at all in our local markets,” said George Gafaranga, a resident of Kayonza District. Gafaranga said most lakes do not provide enough fish as expected. “Unless there is an increase in fish yields, residents will have to resort to beans. A kilogramme contains about two or three fish. This can’t feed a family. We have no choice but to resort to cheaper proteins,” Gafaranga said. Charles Habanabakize, a fisherman operating in Lake Mugesera in Ngoma District, admitted that there were low fish yields. He said most fishermen were optimistic that the newly planted Tilapia fish will help increase production. “The demand for the fish far exceeds the production. Most fish go to Kigali leaving the local population with almost no fish to eat. The Government will have to ensure steady supply of fish to meet local demand,” he said. The vice-mayor in charge of Economic Affairs in Ngoma District, George Mupenzi, said there is need to increase fish production. He attributed the poor yields to use of poor fishing gear. “Our province has more lakes than any other part of the country. We ought to be doing well in the fishing sector. We introduced good fish variety (Tilapia) in the lakes and our future production is promising. Fishing cooperatives, however, have to style up and meet the expectations,” he said.

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Fish prices up due to 'low supply, increased demand'