THE Fonteintjie community fish farm at Keetmanshoop has been struggling to stay afloat after it started operations in 2006, says Fisheries Ministry technician Peter Simasiku.
According to Simasiku, the ministry keeps the fish farm going by supplying it with fish feed and maintaining the ponds.
"The project cannot sustain itself despite being in operation for almost five years," said Simasiku.
Apart from the Fisheries Ministry, the Karas Regional Council is also rendering financial assistance to the fish farm, said Simasiku.
He said the ministry was hard at work to turn around things at the fish farm.
As part of the strategy, the stock had been increased from 400 to 1 000 fish in a pond, while harvesting will take place twice a year to boost the farm's sustainability, said Simasiku.
A feasibility study to assess an expansion of the ponds was conducted recently, while a vegetable garden has been set up next to the ponds to supplement the project's income.
Simasiku cited a lack of community involvement and vandalism as the major problems.
"Because of vandalism, 2 500 fish died in December when the pond's water outlet pipe was opened," said Simasiku.
