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TOLIARA - Fishermen bet on the Base projectThe Madagascar Express-Published on August 5, 20243670Joseph Emmerand and Aurélie Ratianantenaina, two fishermen who have high expectations for the Ranobe ilmenite project. The Vezo fishermen of Toliara hope to take advantage of the Ranobe ilmenite mining project to revive their industry.The future is at stake. Vezo fishermen from Toliara are sounding the alarm. Due to climate change and falling fish prices, their income has steadily declined over the years and is no longer sufficient to meet their needs and maintain their equipment. They are therefore waiting for support to revitalize their sector, in particular by improving equipment and stimulating the local market. In addition to tourism, their hopes rest on mining projects, particularly the Ranobe ilmenite mining project, one of the most advanced in terms of prospecting.According to Joseph Emmerand, a member of a fishermen's association called Akio Viko, they generally work with traditional methods and do not have the financial means to modernize their practices. He says he is convinced that this project will help them adopt modern fishing techniques through its social programs. "We are eager to see its launch. Especially since our fishing activities no longer allow us to meet our daily needs. This project could satisfy part of the need for jobs in our community," says Joseph Emmerand.AgreementAccording to Aurélie Ratianantenaina, a member of an association of fish sellers called "Fimpifima" or "Fikambanan'ny mpivarotra Fia" in Toliara, they have already concluded an agreement with Base Toliara to guarantee a daily supply of fish products for the latter."This contract should improve the income of each household living from fishing. Also, we, women sellers of fishing products in Toliara and others who have activities linked to the sea, are impatiently awaiting the launch of this mining project," she says.The construction of a jetty to load ilmenite extracted at the Ranobe mine was, among other things, one of the points that raised the concern of these fishermen. According to Joseph Emmerand who was present during the public consultations, the audience was already reassured by the fact that the infrastructure would not prevent the Vezo communities from going fishing. "The jetty will be built in such a way that boats can pass underneath and park on Andaboy beach," he explains.The Madagascar Express