Windhoek:Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, inaugurated the new Board of Trustees for the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) for a five-year term on Wednesday.
According to NAMPA, Masake, speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in the ministry's boardroom, emphasized the importance of the board's role in enhancing national food security by increasing access to fish in inland and underserved rural regions. She highlighted the trust placed in the board members' knowledge, experience, and leadership capabilities, stressing the need for strategic direction, effective oversight, and transparency.
Masake outlined several priorities for the board, including strengthening internal controls, ensuring the transparent and accountable management of public resources, and developing innovative methods for fish transportation. She also called for practical strategies to support national food security and public welfare.
Additionally, Masake urged the board to strengthen partnerships with the fishing industry, regional authorities, and retailers while focusing on improved financial planning and reducing unnecessary expenses. She reassured the board of the ministry's commitment to support them within the limits of available resources.
The new board is chaired by communication strategist Lot Ndamanomhata and includes members Charlene Hartung, Olivia Shuuluka, Ndahalomwene Gotlieb, and Wilfried Naibab. In his acceptance speech, Ndamanomhata expressed the board's intention to adopt demand-driven operational models to address the geographical challenges faced by communities distant from coastal fish sources.
Ndamanomhata acknowledged the NFCPT's non-commercial nature and commitment to managing rising operational costs without impacting consumers. He emphasized the board's dedication to financial sustainability and the potential return to breaking even or achieving a surplus. The board plans to build on previous achievements, such as winning the Best Exhibitor award at the Ongwediva Trade Fair, and maintain public engagement in collaboration with the ministry.