Mupfumira slashes fishing licence fees 

Source: Mupfumira slashes fishing licence fees | The Herald October 3, 2018

Minister Prisca Mupfumira

Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira has reduced fishing licence fees for Kanyemba fishing cooperatives from $800 to $15 per annum.

She also granted them a special hunting quota and hunting permit for rain-making ceremonies, independence and heroes celebrations.

Minister Mupfumira also directed Mbire Rural District Council to give special attention to the VaDoma people and ensure proceeds from Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) assist in the development of schools and clinics as well as employment creation.

Furthermore, 10 VaDoma people are to be employed by Zimparks with immediate effect.

Speaking during a visit to Kanyemba together with five other Cabinet ministers last weekend, Minister Mupfumira handed over 10 fishing licences to 10 cooperatives.

“Fishing licences were exorbitant for the community. We have reduced the fishing permit fees from $800 to $15 per annum. We have signed 10 permits, each cooperative have 10 people, this means 100 people will have access to the water,” said Minister Mupfumira.

“The ministry is putting up measures to ensure that after we add more people to the fishing industry the resource will not be depleted. Measures like designated fishing zones, allowing rest periods and nights to which fishing will be temporarily stopped and extension of fishing grounds will be employed.

“We are exploring modalities of developing fishing ponds, drawing water from the Zambezi River. However, this initiative will require budgetary support. We will continue engaging Zambia to discuss and come up with harmonised approach to river usage.”

She added: “I understand that our natural resource management policies on hunting does allow hunting without permits and this divorced VaDoma community from their traditional hunting practices. We have granted them special hunting quota. They will have one elephant, two buffaloes and two impala for rain-making ceremonies.

“One elephant, one buffalo and an impala for independence and heroes celebrations. Dande Safari Area, Mbire South, North, East and Ward Two should benefit from the Campfire boundary. I have instructed the Director General of Zimparks to employ 10 VaDoma people. The selection will be handled by Chief Chapoto. I am sure he will be gender sensitive.”