CHIEF ISSUES ONE WEEK ULTIMATUM ON ISLAND SETTLERS

(ZANIS) Chief SIMAMBA of Siavonga District has given a one week ultimatum to illegal occupants of five islands on Lake Kariba.

This follows reports of illegal fishing, theft and drowning which have been recorded on the lake in the recent weeks.

Chief SIMAMBA has told the occupants that staying on the islands is illegal as they are not designated areas for occupancy.

He says his chiefdom has received reports of individuals stealing fish from investors who are conducting aquaculture business on the lake in the pretext of fishing.

The traditional leader has also maintained that the law is clear on theft and illegal fishing and whoever is found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

Among those affected are occupants of Banana, Jeremiah, Munene, Simunjalala and Gwena Islands.

And Siavonga District Commissioner GEOFFREY JAKOPO has cautioned fishermen on Lake Kariba against using the wrong fishing gears.

Mr. JAKOPO said the trend of using mosquito nets and other alternatives as fish nets has contributed to the rampant depletion of fish on the lake.

He also warned residents of Siavonga District against smuggling of fish into Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, JUSTIN SIALUBANJE, a fisherman said the men staying on the islands are not involved in the stealing of fish from investors in the area.

Mr. SIALUBANJE said they are only there to fish so that they could help sustain their livelihoods.

He has since thanked the aquaculture investors for putting up lucrative businesses in the area but asked for consideration from the local leadership to allow them continue fishing without interference.

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