Staff Reporter
THE Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, has officially inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT), which is tasked with promoting responsible fish consumption and strengthening domestic distribution networks.
The newly appointed board members are Lot Ndamonomhata, who will serve as chairperson, as well as Charlene Hartung, Olivia Shuuluka, Ndahalomwene Gotlieb and Wilfried Naibab.
“The Trust has an important responsibility to promote fish consumption, strengthen domestic distribution networks and ensure that more Namibians benefit directly from the country’s fisheries resources. Furthermore, through appropriate interventions and partnerships, the NFCPT can contribute to the Government’s broader efforts to address food insecurity, support vulnerable communities and strengthen resilience during periods of drought and other emergencies,” Masake said.
INAUGURATION: Scenes from the inauguration. Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the significant contribution of Namibia’s marine resources to the national economy through employment creation, export earnings, investment and livelihoods. However, she emphasised that their value extends beyond economic benefits to their potential to improve the quality of life of Namibians.
“Fish is an important source of protein and essential nutrients. Increasing domestic fish consumption can contribute to improved nutrition, healthier communities and greater food security. It is therefore essential that fish, as one of our country’s valuable natural resources, is accessible and affordable to Namibians across all regions, including rural communities and areas far from the coast. It is within this context that the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust plays a critical national role,” Masake added.
She emphasised that the Trust’s work must remain firmly focused on ensuring that the benefits of Namibia’s marine resources reach all Namibians, regardless of their geographical location or economic circumstances.
Masake also urged the board members to focus on making practical progress towards expanding access to affordable fish, including establishing the three community fish markets, strengthening the Trust’s presence in underserved areas and improving the NFCPT’s overall contribution to food and nutrition security.
Masake encouraged the board members to work as a united team, maintain open and constructive communication, and establish clear priorities for their term of office.
“The achievement of the Trust’s objectives will require collective commitment, clear leadership and effective implementation. The Board must provide strategic direction and oversight, management must translate the approved strategy into effective operations, and staff must continue to deliver services with professionalism and dedication,” she said.
