Concord Times (Freetown)
Ben Samuel Turay
27 February 2008
Freetown — The Secretary General of the Krootown Road Market Association (KMA) who is also a fish trader Monday said they have observed a significant shortage in the supply of fish to markets.
Explaining the situation through her experience, Ramatu Bangura said she bought a carton of bonga fish for Le 8,000 last year but now, its price has increased to Le 33,000 "and I have to make profit," she said adding that she has been having problems with her customers because of the increment in price.
On what could have been responsible for the price increase and afterward, shortage in the commodity, Bangura said they observed that fishermen are paying high taxes and that the increase in the price of fuel also contributed to the shooting up of fish price.
A sampled view of consumers revealed that many homes in Freetown are now wondering on how best to get fish in their meals. A resident of Freetown, Zainab Bolloh explains how some of them have been grappling with the increase in the price of fish. "This increase came in a manner nobody could explain and many people can't afford the current cost of fishes in the markets," she said.
"The common fish which is bonga was sold at three pieces for Le 2,000 some time ago and the current amount is Le 1,500 for one," Bolloh said.
She added that 2008 is a bad year for Sierra Leoneans as the cost of living is becoming difficult every day as price of commodities keeps skyrocketing.
A fisherman at government wharf, Santigi Kabbia said they pay taxes before going out to fish and most times they catch only a small quantity of fish and thus sell them at a high price. "Fuel is another aspect that is giving us problem," Kabia said.
A student of Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), Alex Favil Cline said the government should monitor the fishing industries to try and know their problems.
"My girlfriend goes to the market and everyday comes home grumbling about the increment in the prices of commodities. I think a reduction in the prices of commodities should be the government's first priority," Cline said. "Issues like light is also important but food comes first," he concluded.
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I think the government should put more tax on the exporters instead of the poor market people. I'm saying this because, i know how much this exporters sell this fishes or other market in foriegn countries.
The government should have no affair with the market system as we all know Sierra leone is practicing a free market system. The role of the government is to govern the people of Sierra Leone. Whenever government have a direct involvement in the market system will either create shortage of goods which would give monopoly to other business entities. So i will say let the government do what it does best by providing basic necessity for the people of Sierra Leone and the market regulate itself
An increase in the price of a "bonga" fish from Le 8000.00 to Le 33,000 in one year is unacceptable under any circumstances. What ever happened to our fishing industry ! Every government should make a conscious effort to provide for the protein needs of the citizens.In Sierra Leone fish is the main source of protein which with staples like rice have become scarce commodities. Whatever the freemarket mentality may dictate subsidies must be provided to allow the populace some opportunity to survive on their starvation wages. After Jamil's Sierra Fisheries of 80s and 90s, it appears… [Read Full Text]
A BOX OF BOMGA FROM Le8,000 to Le33,000 In reply to Author-dkoroma2000:I have learn't some ideas from your response as we should be encouraging more people to send in their views on topics affecting our beloved Sierra leone. Please lets continue to educate others that all Government in the world has got a duty to intervene to stop and eliviate suffering of poor and innocent citizens. To challenge a response to my previous views on this same matter, my idea of the government intervening was to help improve the fishermen's plight and help educate them as to some of the… [Read Full Text]
An increase in the price of a "bonga" fish from Le 8000.00 to Le 33,000 in one year is unacceptable under any circumstances. What ever happened to our fishing industry ! Every government should make a conscious effort to provide for the protein needs of the citizens.In Sierra Leone fish is the main source of protein which with staples like rice have become scarce commodities. Whatever the freemarket mentality may dictate subsidies must be provided to allow the populace some opportunity to survive on their starvation wages. After Jamil's Sierra Fisheries of 80s and 90s, it appears… [Read Full Text]
I think you are getting out of your senses, by saying such thing.I think you are one of the people that only care about you and your family but does not seek the intrest of they people. How many people in your countery that can afford their daily bread? yet you are saying such thing like that. Are you educated and do you seek the intrest of your people? Please you need to check your self and learn the meaning of leading a country.
I think you are getting out of your senses, by saying such thing.I think you are one of the people that only care about you and your family but does not seek the intrest of they people. How many people in your countery that can afford their daily bread? yet you are saying such thing like that. Are you educated and do you seek the intrest of your people? Please you need to check your self and learn the meaning of leading a country.
There are too many idle-youths going up and down the streets of Freetown begging as a profession, instead of trying to learn new skills or trade to support themselves. Fishing should be a trade that the Government must support people to learn and create employment for a great number of young people so that more fish products can be always available in the market as sierra leoneans are more dependent on fish products as part of our staple food. We have always depended on foreigners such as the late Jamil who was an opportunist as the present lebanese community who… [Read Full Text]