The population of Bangem, Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West Region, has enjoyed huge amount of cat fish from Bangem Council Fishpond.
The first harvest and sales from the pond took place on July 29 and 30, 2025, with hundreds of fishes sold to the population.
Speaking at the harvest site, the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Christopher Kang expressed joy at the big catch recorded at the first catch from the pond.
He was also excited at the massive presence of the population at the pond to buy fishes from harvesters.
According to the Mayor, the council decided to invest in fishpond to boost its revenue, and to increase the protein intake of the local population.
Ekungwe added that the fishpond initiative was set up as an illustration for the population to emulate and get into fish farming for subsistence and commercialization.
“I think we have achieved our objective. From this first harvest, I am so encouraged.” He added.
The mayor said considering the high demand of fishes at the first harvest, the council is strategizing to renovate and extend the pond in a second phase, with the addition of tilapia fish species to the pond.
Also, Councilor Nkwelle Peter Atabe of Bangem Council thanked God for the realization of the project that kicked off about seven months ago.
He appreciated the fishpond manager and collaborators for the great success recorded in the project.
Meanwhile, Nzegge Benedict, Manager of the Pond said he has been feeding the fishes every day and ensuring that they grow healthy.
He said it was not easy to feed the over one thousand fishes at the pond daily.
The manager pleaded with the government to provide more income to the council for people to be trained on fish farming in Bangem, for the sustainability of the project.
Appreciation
Speaking to The Ultimate, one of the customers, Epumangando Beatrice expressed joy buying live fishes from Bangem Fishpond. She lauded the council for the fishpond initiative.
“We could not believe that fishes can be grown in Bangem. This is to tell us that we should develop individual fishponds in to satisfy the growing population.” She added.
Ekole Rita thanked Mayor Ekungwe for bringing this dream to live and prayed for the sustainability of the project.
Also, Ekane Linus, another customer was happy that he is buying live fishes for the first time in Bangem. He called on the council to set up more fishponds to satisfy the population, considering the number of buyers at the first harvest.
By Noela Teneng
