NGO gives govt 2 boats to patrol Lake Malawi

 Ripple Africa has handed over two boats to the Ministry of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife to patrol protected areas with rare fish species on Lake Malawi.

Speaking on Friday during the handover, Ripple Africa country director Force Ngwira said his organisation is implementing a fish-conservation project in a number of districts, including Salima, as such, he wants the boats to enhance patrols on the lake.

He said: “The Department of Parks and Wildlife asked us to provide a boat to help them patrol the protected areas.

“We have handed over two boats worth K15 million each and the other will be stationed at Monkey Bay in Mangochi.”

Ngwira said the organisation will provide fuel for two years.

“I want to assure the ministry that the boats will be on patrol every day since we will provide fuel for two years because we want to protect unique fish species,” he said.

Minister of Tourism, Parks and Wildlife Michael Usi said government was committed to ensuring that unique Lake Malawi fish species are protected.

He said Lake Malawi has its own unique species of fish which are not found anywhere in the world; hence, the need to protect them.

“This boat is helpful to government because for a long a time, the Department of Parks and Wildlife has been facing challenges to conduct patrols on the lake because of lack of equipment,” said Usi.

Senior Chief Maganga of Salima, whose area lies along the lake, thanked Ripple Africa for the boat, saying it will prevent illegal fishing in protected areas.

“Sometimes sensitisation alone does not work, so, patrols will protect the fish species,” he said.