Rasini Fishermen Cooperative society from Faza Ward has reached a consensus on how to utilize Ksh 9.8 million grant that was awarded to them towards operationalization of the defunct Faza Ice plant.

The grant which was awarded by the County Government of Lamu in collaboration with the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Program will among other components ensure an intergrated cold room is set up to hold fish at -20°C as well as produce flake ice for its members.

According to the Cooperative members reviving the defunct ice plant, will in a great way reduce the losses they would incur due to lack of storage cold room as well as flake ices for fishing.

Lamu County Chief Officer Abdul Fatah, accompanied by KCSAP County Coordinator Mr. Steven Mbuvi lauded the Rasini Fishermen Members for embracing the project, adding that that project was solely meant to support producer Organizations like fishermen and cooperatives.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Kizingitini ice plant is also receiving a comprehensive makeover to increase capacity as part of the County’s post-COVID recovery fisheries plan.

The expansion of the Kizingitini structure/building housing the ice plant is over 95% complete, and includes:

-Construction of an extra storey to help elevate the flake machines for standard operation

-Construction of additional Offices

-Construction of Toilets -Two doorways

-And an additional cold room

The two cold chain projects are part of the larger plan by H.E Governor Fahim Twaha to spur the fisheries sector in Lamu East benefitting over 20 fisher villages, including Ishakani, Kiunga, Mwambore, Rubu, Mkokoni, Chandani, Kiwayu, Ndau, Faza, Kizingitini, Mbwajumwali, Chundwa, Siyu, Pate, Mtangawanda, Myabogi, Faza, Shanga Rubu, Shanga Ishakani, Mvundeni among others .

To boost fish output, the county administration is also set to soon resume distribution of fishing equipment and gear throughout the county. Fishing lines, Gill nets, Flippers, Eco-Sounders/Fish finders, GPS, Deep freezers, and cooler boxes, among other items, are expected to be distributed to anglers. Last fiscal year, more than ten BMUs acquired fishing equipment, with the remainder receiving it this fiscal year.

-Ends-

For more information contact:

Lamu County Government Communications Office at info@lamu.go.ke