By Yusupha Jobe
Fish vendors at Tanjai fish landing site and other local communities have raised concern over recent rise in price of fish amid continuous operation of fishmeal plants.
Speaking in a voice interview dozens of fish vendors alleged the sudden rise in fish price to the presence of fish meal factories along the coastal communities.
Bintou Sanyang a fish vendor said the price increase on fish in local markets has started since the establishment of fishmeal factories along coastal villages adding which have a daily demand of fish meant for fishmeal production.
She said the increase on fish price has created series of challenges for their customers whom she added a time fines it difficult to afford the price amount put the fish.
“It is always difficult for our customers to afford high price on fish and this of course poses challenge on us as vendors when we have to go back with remain of fish, “she said.
Fatou Manneh also a fish vendor said the establishment of fishmeal factories along fishing communities has cause huge reduction of fish consumption in the local market stating which led to its high demand and eventual increase in price.
She added that a time they receive no basket of fish for sale at the local market as vendors this while citing the practice of first supplying the fishmeal factories with fish by vessels owners before giving them the opportunity as local fish vendors.
“We a time have no supply of fish for the local market as vendors this is because of the ongoing practice of supplying the fishmeal factories before we are given the chance to have a basket of fish for sale at the local market which can cost can about D1000 and even more. So, if the situation is to continue like this it will be very difficult for low financial earners to afford fish for consumption,” she said.
