Fishermen in Anambra Appeal for Access Roads to Fishing Lakes

News in brief:

-The Umuoba Anam community is urging the Anambra State Government to construct roads linking major fishing lakes to urban markets.

-Poor access roads are causing post-harvest fish losses and limiting economic opportunities for local fishermen.

Residents of Umuoba Anam community in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to construct access roads linking major fishing lakes in the area.

Community elders and leaders appealed while taking journalists on a tour of the lakes, including Isaa, Iwelle and Iwalaa fishing lakes.

They expressed concern over rising post-harvest losses caused by the poor and dilapidated condition of the roads leading to the lakes.

Poor Roads Affect Fish Transportation

The Chairman of the Mmevo Ruling Council, Sunday Nduba, said the poor road network prevents fishermen from transporting fresh fish quickly to nearby urban markets.

He explained that large quantities of fish harvested during local fishing festivals often spoil before reaching consumers.

According to Nduba, the lakes are currently accessible only through motorcycles and bicycles, making it difficult to move fish in commercial quantities.

“We are forced to dry the fish instead of selling them fresh because vehicles cannot reach the lakes,” he said.

Nduba added that constructing a road from Iyiora Anam to the lakes would significantly improve the livelihoods of fishermen in the community.

Potential for Tourism Development

Nduba also noted that improved infrastructure could transform the community’s fishing festival into a major tourism event.

He said the festival could eventually rival the famous Argungu Fishing Festival if the government invests in basic infrastructure such as roads, solar lighting and potable water.

The Secretary of the council, Ignatius Obadiegwu, urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with the Anambra State Government to develop the lakes into revenue-generating tourist destinations.

He said the development could boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for residents.

Youths Seek Infrastructure Improvements

The President of the Umuoba Anam Youth Council, Onyebuchi Mmeh, commended the development efforts of the state government in other parts of Anambra.

However, he appealed to the governor to extend similar road infrastructure projects to the community.

Mmeh also called for solar street lights and pipe-borne water to improve living conditions and support economic activities.

Another community leader, Chukwudi Nwakonuche, highlighted security challenges faced by fishermen due to the absence of street lighting.

He noted that poor visibility at night exposes fishermen to robbery attacks and snake bites.

Fishermen Highlight Local Fish Species

A local fisherman, Ignatius Nnekwe, said the lakes produce several indigenous fish species such as okpo, egbili, ikele, obo, asa, ikpokpo and ipete.

However, he stressed that the lack of access roads remains the most pressing challenge affecting fishing activities in the area.

He appealed to the government to urgently address the infrastructure deficit to reduce post-harvest losses and improve fishermen’s incomes.