Egipto praia: The Artisanal Fishing Support Center in Egipto Praia, Benguela, is currently functioning at only fifty percent capacity, according to its manager, Nélson Freitas. He shared these details on Monday during a press interaction, coinciding with a visit by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmen do Sacramento Neto. According to Angola Press News Agency, Nélson Freitas pointed out critical issues impacting the center's operations, such as malfunctioning photovoltaic power source inverters and the presence of just one operational deep-freeze chamber. "We have a tunnel that can receive ten tons of fish every four hours, but we can't fully utilize it due to a lack of fishing equipment, such as boats, nets, and other accessories," Freitas explained. Minister Carmen do Sacramento Neto spent considerable time inspecting the infrastructure to assess its usage levels, aiming for a relaunch of the center. She revealed that the center is a crucial part of the "fishing villages" project, intend ed to boost the local fishing sector. Discussing investment priorities, the Minister highlighted plans to construct a pier to aid the fish unloading process and to make repairs along the banks of the Balombo River. She emphasized the area's significant importance for the fishing sector following its elevation to a municipality within the new Political and Administrative Division. During her visit to Bebé Beach in Catumbela, the Minister engaged with local fishermen to understand their issues. She promised immediate support through microcredits and outlined plans for larger loans to facilitate the purchase of fishing boats and motors. "The biggest problem is the formalization issue. Any credit granted requires applicants to have up-to-date documents, such as an identity card, and be registered with Social Security," she noted. The Minister also pledged training opportunities for fishermen through the Artisanal Fishing Institute and planned discussions with companies to supply necessary fishing equipment. P raia Bebê hosts a fishing cooperative of 60 ex-military personnel and another cooperative of 60 women, highlighting the community's involvement in the fishing industry.