Pre-budget Consultations 2023-2024: Fishermen Associations put forth proposal
The proposals put forth by the Fishermen Associations for Budget 2023-2024 were discussed, this afternoon, with the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, during the Pre-budget Consultations, in Port Louis.
The meeting served as a platform for the Associations to share and discuss their suggestions so as to create an enabling environment for the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in Mauritius.
Discussions focused on the challenges the fishing community was facing, being severely impacted by heavy rain and the consequences of climate change. The proposals aimed at bringing some short-term remedies to their precarious condition.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Moïse Dardenne, from the Trou d’Eau Douce Fishermen Cooperative Society, pointed out that the Finance Minister reassured that more regular meetings would be held every three months so as to provide assistance to the fishing community and provide solutions to difficulties encountered.
“The regular meetings,” he added, “will also help to address loopholes and ensure that the budgetary measures for the fisheries sector will be implemented by relevant bodies.”
Source : GIS – 16 March 2023
