The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has directed that the Chato international fish market project, popularly known as “Chato Beach,” be managed to ensure that the market stalls are allocated to the intended beneficiaries.
Dr. Bashiru gave the directive during an inspection of the project’s construction on January 4, 2026. He said the project is expected to start operations immediately after approval by the contractor on February 28, 2026.
“There must be full transparency in managing this market and distributing the available stalls. While demand may exceed supply, the allocation system must be open and fair. Anyone who misses out should accept it as a matter of limited availability, not manipulation,” Dr. Bashiru emphasized.
The minister also instructed experts from the ministry to work closely with the Chato District Council to establish a clear mechanism for appointing the market operator and for installing a modern fish-drying facility to preserve the quality of fish.
“Priority should be given to completing the fish-drying facility, while other structures can wait. Experts report that about 30 percent of fish harvested is lost due to the absence of proper drying technology. Using inadequate methods reduces the quality of our fish,” he noted.
The Chato Beach project is part of a broader government effort to boost the fisheries sector, improve post-harvest fish handling, and enhance the livelihoods of local fishers and traders. Once operational, it is expected to strengthen the region’s position as a key player in the national and regional fish trade.