The government commits to rehabilitating the Hardap inland aquaculture centre
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform has committed to urgently rehabilitating the Hardap Inland Aquaculture Centre after senior officials found the facility in a dilapidated state during a recent visit.
The ministry's executive director, Teofilus Nghitila, said the centre, located in the Hardap Game Park about 24 kilometres north of Mariental, has deteriorated significantly and has become an eyesore for tourists visiting the park.
Nghitila made the remarks during a stopover at the facility following the ministry's top management retreat held in the Hardap Game Reserve. He emphasised that the aquaculture centre represents a significant government investment and must be restored to full operational capacity.
The Hardap Aquaculture Centre is operated by the ministry to support aquaculture production, provide extension services, and promote inland fisheries management. The facility breeds freshwater fish, particularly tilapia fingerlings, which are supplied to small-scale fish farmers at subsidised prices.
The fingerlings are distributed to farmers in six regions: Hardap, //Kharas, Khomas, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Erongo. The centre also supplies fingerlings to other government fish farms across the country, including the Leonardville Fish Farm in the Omaheke Region, for grow-out purposes.
Senior Fisheries Research Technician Ernita Morwe said production levels at the centre are currently very low due to deteriorating infrastructure, limiting its ability to fulfil its mandate.
Morwe said that if rehabilitated and fully capacitated, the facility has the potential to create employment opportunities, contribute to food security, and support economic development.
Nghitila acknowledged the strategic importance of the centre and directed senior management to urgently address the operational challenges. He set a target for the facility to return to full production by December this year.
He also instructed that consultations with key stakeholders be held before the end of April to identify sustainable solutions for the Hardap Aquaculture Centre and other aquaculture initiatives across the country facing similar challenges.
Nghitila said once fish farms and aquaculture initiatives across Namibia reach full production, they could significantly contribute to food security, improved nutrition and economic growth.
PICTURED: Executive Director for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Teofelus Nghitila. Photo: NBC Digital News