FAO in Mozambique

Construction of the first fish market in Massingir, in Gaza Province

08/03/2013

Maputo, 08 March 2013 – Under the auspices of the FAO´s Costal Fisheries Development for  Gaza and Inhambane Provinces  Project, funded by the Government of Italy, FAO Mozambique and the selected contractor (Ergo Construções) signed a contract for the construction of a fish market in the district of Massingir, in Gaza Province, south Mozambique, at the FAO Office today.

This fish market is one of two to be built this year in the two provinces, Gaza and Inhambane, responding thus to critical needs by local communities for better conditions in handling, processing, transporting and marketing fish and fish products. The other one will be constructed in Maxixe, Inhambane Province.

According to the Country Representative, Mr. Julio DeCastro, the impact this infrastructure will bring to people´s lives in the area is going to be significant and FAO´s commitment to helping local producers reach sustainability through access to markets is just a small part of our mandate.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Institute for the Development of Small-Scale Fisheries’ (IDPPE) Director, Mr. Tomé Capece and several other government representatives. 

Background

The FAO project “Coastal Fisheries Development for Gaza and Inhambane Provinces” was conceived as a follow-up to the emergency assistance given to the fisheries sector in 2000 to restore the productive capacity of artisanal fisheries in the wake of cyclone Eline. With direct funding from the Government of Italy, an amount of US$3 871 299 was allocated to FAO and IDPPE was identified as the Government´s implementing agency.