Rwanda | PIGIELAC to inject 50 m in fishing

Rusizi district and Inland lakes Integrated Development and Management Support Project (PAGIELAC) have signed a worth 50 m francs agreement to plant tilapia in Lake Kivu, Rusizi side. The project which will be entirely funded by PAGIELAC is aimed at increasing the productivity of fishing co-operatives and living standards for people who use Kivu as their source of income.

The project will kick off in April-2012, but the paper work is done. The tilapia fish will be added to the already existent sardines which the district hopes will develop the fishing industry tremendously.

Sardine fish (Isambaza)

“Planting Tilapia will increase fisherman’s harvest from once to twice a year. The welfare of co-operatives will be promoted well as revenue from fishing,” said Oscar Niyonzima, District Agriculture officer, Rusizi.

Sardines {isambaza and Indagara {silver fish} have dominated the Rusizi part of Kivu, since 1976 when they were planted. With tilapia on board, Rusizi residents hope to yield a lot.