Mzuzu Prison fish project to improve inmates diet

Mzuzu Prison has started harvesting fish from its six ponds, yielding at least 3 083 fish during the first catch on Saturday at the correctional facility.

The development follows the revival of the fish farming project which started in November 2023 to improve inmates diet.

In an interview, Malawi Prison Services acting spokesperson for the North, Macbeth Wasambo, said the project seeks to enhance food supplements for inmates, particularly those with underlying health conditions, and generate income.

He said: “The prison initially stocked 5 000 chambo-type fingerlings, which have multiplied to thousands. Currently, the station has six ponds filled with fish.

“Of the harvested fish, 1 686 were distributed to inmates, while the remaining were sold to officers, generating K75 000.

Mzuzu Prison acting station officer Joseph Kumimba expressed satisfaction with the project’s potential, citing its benefits in food supplements and income generation.

 “As you can see, this harvest from two ponds alone will benefit all inmates. We will continue and improve this farming initiative,” he said.

Evalisto Kapesi, who is the officer responsible for fish farming at the facility, said so far, their main challenge is fish feed.

With a normal capacity of 450 inmates, Mzuzu Prison currently houses 843 prisoners.