Eight beneficiaries under the Canotte Scheme received on Friday 23 September 2016 their cheques for the purchase of ‘canottes’ during a handing-over ceremony at the Fisheries Training and Extension Centre in Pointe aux Sables, Mauritius.
The Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, Shipping and Outer Islands has transferred a sum of Rs 5 million to the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM) for this second phase of the Canotte Scheme.
‘Canottes’ are better equipped boats designed for fishing in the outer lagoon. Under the scheme, a registered fisherman is eligible to a grant representing 50% of the cost of a ‘canotte’ and engine up to an amount of Rs 200,000 The fisherman can finance the other 50% on his own or contract a loan of Rs 200,000 from the DBM under the artisanal fishermen scheme or under the DBM’s normal loan scheme should the amount exceed Rs 200,000.
The Rs 200,000 loan from the DBM is repayable over an eight-year period, including a one-year moratorium, and carries an interest rate of 7.65%. The funds are disbursed directly to the boat builder, who has to be listed at the Ministry. The ‘canotte’ should be a new fibre glass reinforced plastic vessel of above 7 m and less than 12 m in length equipped with either an inboard or outboard engine of 15 Horsepower and above. The boat should be registered with the Ministry.
For the second phase of the Canotte project, 20 fishermen submitted their applications, which were transmitted to the DBM for implementation. Out of the 20, thirteen were eligible for grant/loan, while seven had pending cases including arrears.
2016 AllAfrica