Chapter 161: Fishing
In Mwanza, the only shipbuilding center in the entire Great Lakes region, the focus was on expanding shipyard capabilities to other lakes, specifically Lake Solon (Lake Tanganyika) and Lake Malawi. Due to the limited availability of technical personnel, skilled shipbuilders, and energy resources, the workers from Mwanza Shipyard were sent to support the construction of shipyards on these two lakes, rather than establishing new shipyards in other regions.
Mwanza Shipyard retained its status as the sole shipyard in the Great Lakes region. While the development of the Great Lakes area wasn't an immediate priority for the East African colonies, the need for shipyards on Lake Solon and Lake Malawi was crucial for future colonization efforts.
Over time, as the production capacity of Mwanza Shipyard increased, more small ships were constructed. These vessels, built at Mwanza, could be found all over the Great Lakes, serving purposes such as fishing and transportation for East African convoys.
Sangabu Village, located in the north of Mwanza, was a small fishing community with a population of over 470 people, most of whom relied on fishing for their livelihoods. The villagers in Sangabu Village woke up early, prepared breakfast, and then set out for fishing on the Great Lakes.
Under the leadership of Village Chief Leilas, the villagers began casting their nets into the lake. While their boats were not as agile as the canoes used by the local aborigines, they were well-suited for their purposes.
Leilas encouraged the villagers to work hard, as meeting monthly fishing targets would allow them to enjoy more days off at the end of the month. The villagers were eager to put in the effort, as they found life on the water more comfortable than on land.
After several hours of work, the fishing boats from Sangabu Village returned with a bountiful catch. The Great Lakes boasted abundant fishery resources, particularly since the East African colonies had monopolized access to these resources by driving away the local aborigines.
As the fishermen celebrated their successful harvest, the weather suddenly changed. The clear sky was replaced by dense clouds, and strong winds began to blow. Despite the weather, the fishermen continued to work, hoping to meet their monthly target.
The wind and rain created challenging conditions, but the fishermen were used to facing strong winds and waves. They persisted and managed to increase their harvest thanks to the active fish brought closer to the surface by the inclement weather.
After some time, Village Chief Leilas decided it was time to return due to the worsening weather. As they headed back to Sangabu Village, the rain poured down heavily, making the return journey slower than usual.
Despite the adverse weather, the villagers were content with their harvest. The rain had not been in vain, and they looked forward to a well-deserved rest at the end of the month.
Upon their return to Mwanza, the villagers unloaded their catch. The fish harvesting staff in Mwanza assisted with counting and recording the harvest. The data would be crucial in determining the village's income at the end of the month.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the fishermen of Sangabu Village remained resilient and continued to rely on the abundant fishery resources of the Great Lakes for their livelihoods.