By CHATULA KAMPO –

CHIEF Machiya of the Lamba people in Mpongwe District has urged Government to take stern measures against local fishermen using explosives in fishing activities.

Chief Machiya in an interview at the weekend alleged that there were some fishermen who were using explosives for fishing in Kafue and Luwishi rivers.

He said some fishermen were allegedly acquiring the dangerous explosives from surrounding mines in the area.

The traditional leader said the practice had serious environmental implications on the two rivers, and appealed to the Zambia Wildlife Authority to take keen interest in matter.

He advised Government to put in place mechanisms to get rid of squatters along the Luswishi and Kafue rivers who were engaged in illegal fishing activities.

“People should not stay along these rivers, they should be allowed to get land and buy plots somewhere else. I want to appeal to them as well not to stay along the river,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Machiya has expressed happiness at the setting up of a modern fish cold storage facility in the area constructed by Government at a cost of K700,000.

Chief Machiya commended the fisheries department and urged his subjects to take good care of the facility.

The cold storage facility constructed by Prom Construction Company of Ndola was expected to be fully operational once refrigerated cold room units were put in place.

It would be the preservation point for fish from Kafue and Luwishi rivers before being transported to other towns on the Copperbelt.