NGO confiscates 10 000 mosquito nets in Nkhotakota

Ripple Africa, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has confiscated 10 000 mosquito nets which fishers were using for fishing in Nkhotakota to protect fish from depletion.

The confiscation campaign is under the organisation’s Environmental Conservation Project which started in 2016 with the aim of sustainably managing the fisheries resources for the benefit of future generations.

“So far, we have confiscated 10 000 big mosquito nets that threatened the future of the fishing industry. We thank traditional leaders, community members and the Fisheries Department for their support. It is sad to note that the nets are not being used for their intended purpose,” said Geoff Furber, Ripple Africa chief executive officer.

Nkhotakota District Council formulated by-laws which the NGO is enforcing through its 60 fish conservation committees.

Senior Chief Mwadzama said he is ready to work with all the stakeholders to help conserve fish in the lake.

As part of National Malaria Control Programme, government and some development partners have been distributing free mosquito nets to communities.

Meanwhile, government and World Vision International have said they will distribute 10.9 million mosquito nets from September this year.