It took a needs-based project written by a 29-year-old South Korean PhD student from the Korean Maritime University, Joori Jang, for some fishermen in Limbe and environs to be assisted with fishing equipment.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Limbe fishermen and fishmongers, through the Korean International Cooperation Agency in Cameroon, received free equipment and other accessories from the Korean Government. The aim is to improve on the fish market and its environment in Limbe and surrounding localities. So, to the fish mongers went 25 plastic coolers; 65 waterproof aprons, 30 weight measurement scales; 65 raincoats and 35 plastic chairs, and the fishermen; 500 raincoats.

The Divisional Delegation of Fisheries, Livestock and Animal Industry, headed by Dr. Cecilia Chiawah, got 35 raincoats, 20 overall garments, 12 life jackets, two big weight measurement scales, among others. According to Joori, her project was part and parcel of her academic mission while she was in Limbe working on a two-year internship course with the Divisional Delegation of Fisheries.

She said the enormous difficulties faced by the fishing community in Limbe moved her to appeal to her government to come to the assistance of the fishermen and fishmongers. “After working for a few months in the field, I discovered that many of the fishmongers and fishermen were facing a lot of difficulties; their equipment poor quality, and the poor handling of fish,” Joori said.

“So my project consisted of ameliorating the fresh fish market environment through the provision of fishing equipment,” she added. The Korean International Cooperation Agency Country Director, Suji Oh, said Joori was just one of 15 South Korean volunteer students who have been carrying out research in different academic fields in five towns in Cameroon.

Dr. Chiawah said the Korean gifts were going to be of great help in fishing activities. Meantime, the SDO of Fako, Zang III, who presided at the gift handing over ceremony, said the Cameroon Government is ready to give out material assistance and other necessities aimed at encouraging fishermen to go and operate in the Bakassi area.

He urged those interested to get themselves into CIGs, (Common Initiative Groups). The flipside of the succor from the South Korean Government to fishermen in Cameroon is that a fishery school constructed by South Korea in Limbe awaits opening.

By Francis Tim Mbom