The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, has commended the achievements made by the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) at Ondangwa, calling on the Katima Mulilo Town Council and the City of Windhoek to provide suitable land to construct retail fish shops.
Klazen made the call during the 11th edition of the NFCPT Day gala dinner held at Walvis Bay, where N$410,000 was raised for schools in the Zambezi Region.
The trust aims to encourage fish consumption in communities, recognising its significance in providing essential nutrients for a healthier lifestyle.
Through the generous support of sponsors and partners, NFCPT is able to invest in the betterment of society through corporate social investment (CSI), ploughing back into the community that has supported them so faithfully.
All the funds raised during the gala dinner will be utilised to procure school equipment to be donated to deserving schools in the Zambezi Region.
This region has been identified for its need for additional resources to enhance students' educational experiences as well as for the fact that the 10th Namibia Fish Consumption Day celebrations are to be held in the Zambezi Region.
"Walvis Bay. All things being equal, the gala dinner would ordinarily be held in the Zambezi Region. However, it is being hosted in Walvis Bay due to the prevailing challenging economic climate, and it is believed that hosting it here in Walvis Bay will ensure maximum participation and maximum pledges by the industry partners."
Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu expressed his gratitude to the trust and the industry. "On behalf of the Zambezi Region and its residents, we accept this gesture humbly. Thank you very much, residents of Erongo; the industry, the fish industry, and maybe the mining industry are here; I do not know. For the support and also in kind. We are deeply thankful for the profits that we have made here."
The day was celebrated under the theme "Celebrating our Oceans Reward."
The National Fish Consumption Day was initially launched in Swakopmund and has since been hosted by 10 regions.
Three regions are yet to host the NFCD, namely Hardap, Kavango East, and Ohangwena regions.
Next year, the 12th edition of the National Fish Consumption Day gala dinner is set to be held in the Hardap Region.