According to the government the plan ahs been approved to construct 1000 tons of cold-rooms in strategic locations in its readiness to establish fish farms across the state. The state governor Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi has announced this during the fish harvest of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) at Ekporo in Eleme and Kalio-Ama in Okrika Local Government Areas of the state.
The agreement was signed by Morgan Chiosome, the governor, represented by the Special Adviser on aquaculture and deep sea fishing, Kuro Briggs. It is said that the initiative is aimed at massive empowerment of the people. Bruggs told that the importance government attaches to aquaculture and deep sea fishing and urged the people of Ekporo, Ebubu and Kalio-Ama to take the programme seriously.
The Managing Director, Alliance for Community Transformation (ACT) Agnes Ajana is of opinion that the proposal for the establishment of fish farms across the state was submitted in 2006. She added that two fish farms were suggested, but the State government, desirous of empowering the people, approved ten; pointing out that apart from the Ekporo, Ebubu and Kailo-Ama fish farms, others will be opened at Akabuka, Ahoada, Elele, and Oyigbo.
Iro Altraide stressed that the Rivers State Government is bringing the benefits of the farm to the State. She has listed some of programme’s benefits to include food crop, fish and Livestock production as well as food processing. She pointed out that the farm would not only provide training facilities for other farms in the area and parts of the state but create development and urged the people to embrace the initiative.
