AfDB injects Rwf1.5bn in local fish market

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has infused Rwf1.5 billion in form of a loan into what will be Rwanda’s largest fish market that is expected to end the fragmentation of fish markets in the country, an official said yesterday. According to Dusabemungu Gregoire, the Coordinator of PAIGELAC, a French acronym to mean Inland Lakes Integrated Development and Management support Project, construction will commence in three months time. “This market will provide a single centre where all fish products in Rwanda plus those imported will be bought to end the fragmented fish markets,” he said. The market, whose surface area is estimated at 60M-80M, will be able to accommodate the entire fish production in the country which stands at 6,000 tonnes annually. Rwanda also imports fish to supplement domestic production in order to meet local demand. “We don’t have enough fish to meet the market demand. That is why we import from neighbouring countries like Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania,” Dusabemungu explained. Last year, Rwanda imported 6000 tones of fish from Uganda as total local consumption hit 12,000 tonnes. The AIGELACP has also moved put up the necessary infrastructure that will facilitate and compliment this market. Six houses have been built all over the lakes in the country where the fish will be processed before they are taken to the market while boat harbours have been prepared. Ends

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AfDB injects Rwf1.5bn in local fish market