The government has presented 250 tricycles to fisherfolks operating at landing beaches in the country.

The tricycles are to help them to transport their goods from the coast to their home, or from their homes to the market.

Beneficiaries of the tricycles are expected to pay back the cost in instalments.

The presentation was done by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in collaboration with the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).

Government’s commitment

Making the presentation in Accra, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ms Sherry Ayittey, said the tricycles were hire purchase products which allowed beneficiaries to pay in instalments

She said the presentation of the tricycles was part of the government’s commitment to improve the fisheries industry.

She urged the beneficiaries to show commitment, trust and accountability by putting the tricycles into gainful use and also pay for them to enable others to also benefit from the programme.

Ms Ayittey said the ministry would soon come out with other programmes for  the fishing communities.

Poverty reduction

The Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mrs Sedina Tamakloe Ationu, said the initiative was to reduce pressure on the fisherfolks.

She said MASLOC introduced the tricycle project as part of its diversification drive to alleviate the woes of traders, as well as the rural poor, particularly those who work on farms and could not afford regular transportation.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mr Mustapha Batalima Abubakar, advised the beneficiaries not to use the tricycles to carry passengers but to convey goods.

 

source:graphiconline