Maria David
THE Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) officially opened its 18th shop in Ondangwa town of the Oshana Region on Monday.
The shop, located along the Ondangwa main road, is part of the company’s aim to expand its reach across the country and bring fish to the nation.
In 2003, the Ondangwa fish shop commenced operations, initially functioning from a container to supply fish primarily to the local and surrounding communities in the region. Over time, it underwent an upgrade, transforming into a small structure.
Currently, NFCPT owns and operates 18 fish shops across the 14 regions and employs about 150 people.
Speaking during the official opening of the new fish shop, Oshana Governor Elia Irimari, on behalf of Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Derek Klazen, said that NFCPT is entrusted with promoting fish consumption throughout the country.
Klazen indicated that as a government agency, NFCPT is responsible for promoting fish consumption throughout Namibia by improving the accessibility and affordability of fish.
“The Ministry allocates fish quotas to the NFCPT every year to enable the Trust to carry out its programs and projects,” he said.
Furthermore, Klazen mentioned that the Trust is deeply committed to imparting knowledge to the public about fish preparation and cooking methods, aimed at maximizing the nutritional advantages that fish products provide.
Suzan Ndjaleka, Chairperson of the NFCPT board of trustees, said that for the past years, they have been operating in a substandard infrastructure. However, this has not prevented them from making fish available to the people.
Ndjaleka highlighted that the new facility is strategically located and easily accessible, serving the community by providing fish to the inhabitants of Ondangwa and nearby villages as well as passersby.
“Ondangwa is also a transit point to towns such as Eenhana, Oshakati, Ongwediva, Outapi, and further afield,” she said.
She then urged staff members stationed at this shop to attract more consumers and thereby contribute to an improved fish consumption rate in the country.
Ondangwa Mayor Paavo Amwele said that the opening of the NFCPT shop is a welcome boost for the economic growth of the town.
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