By Max A. Konneh
Media Practitioner/Adviser
The President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reemphasized the significant role of the Private Sector in harnessing the country’s fisheries wealth through value addition.
Speaking while launching the first ever Sardine canning factory in Jui, Western Area Rural District, Freetown, last Tuesday 12th March, 2024, President Bio highlighted the pivotal role the company will play providing employment for many, especially youths in the country.
The initiative, he said will not only harness livelihoods but also contribute immensely to the country’s food security and poverty reduction drive .
While underscoring the laudable role played by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in ensuring that the company is adequately regulated, President Bio expressed thanks and appreciation to management and staff of SABCO Fishing Company for their intervention and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the private sector in promoting sustainable economic growth in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony which was chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Elizabeth Ellie in the presence of a cross-section of MFMR staff and other distinguished guests, the Minister of Fisheries, Princess Dugba, acknowledged the key role played by her ministry in the creation of wealth and diversification of the country’s economy as contained in the People’s Manifesto and Medium Term Development Plan.
Highlighting the enormous contributions her ministry is making towards the development of the country’s GDP, and job creation undertakings, Madam DUGBA, averred that her ministry also provides the requisite leadership and guidance that promotes private sector investments in the fisheries sector which she said, has resulted in the establishment of a number of fisheries entities including the SABCO Fish Canning Company.
Dilating on the importance of the fish processing industry, the Minister said it will increase the shelf life, availability, affordability and accessibility of fish products, enhance the ‘FEED SALONE’ Program and create jobs for the needy, among others.
In order to ensure that fish is abundantly available, her ministry, she said, has improved its monitoring capability and introduced Seasonal Closure measures for fishing for one month every year, among others.
She informed the gathering that work on the proposed Fish Harbour Project site at Black Johnson community has commenced and thanked the President for paving the way for obtaining a grant of USD$55 Million from the Chinese government for the project which will among other benefits, provide private sector investments opportunities for additional fish processing industries.
She described the newly established company as “Game Changing Project” that will contribute immensely in improving fish quality and safety and thanked the CEO of SABCO for his astute leadership and steadfastness.
Madam Dugba also used the occasion to appeal to the Ministry of Finance for Tax Incentive considerations for SABCO and others engaged in fish processing ventures as well as the Ministry of Energy for constant and interrupted electricity supply to ensure seamless production process while expressing her ministry’s desire to develop a viable fisheries sector.
A representative of the company registered their determination to make a difference in the fisheries sector while other partners including the Ministry of Trade appreciated them for promoting trade and investment in the country.