NEWS RELEASE                                                                                           11 December 2001

NEW-LOOK FISHMONGERS MARKET OPENS IN PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE

Lovers of fresh fish – and especially those who enjoy the unique tastes and smells of a traditional fish market – can look forward to the 13 December launch of the new-look Prince George Drive Fishmongers Market.

While soaking up the special atmosphere of the market, shoppers can watch the fishmongers ply their trade – just as their fathers and grandfathers did before them.

There’s parking aplenty and strict standards of hygiene are enforced among the stallholders, thus ensuring that fish sold at the market are fresh from the seas around the Peninsula and that the catch is hygienically displayed.

Fishing is a staple industry for many Cape Flats communities and the new-look market will give a welcome boost to the local economy. Some of the fish, of course, will feed the families of the fishermen themselves.

Whatever is caught on the day will be sold at the market but there is usually a good supply of silverfish and the ever-popular snoek. As you would expect, prices are far lower than one will find in the shops.

To celebrate the opening of the upgraded market – situated on Prince George Drive, Princess Vlei, on the main route between the city and Muizenberg – some exciting specials will be on offer, and the people who really know about fish will be happy to advise customers on the best buys of the day.

The City of Cape Town’s Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Tourism and Property Management, Councillor Kent Morkel, believes the upgraded new market will be a useful service for the local community while also attracting fish lovers from other parts of the city.

“Fishmongering is an old tradition in many Cape Flats communities,” he said. “By upgrading the facilities at this market, we have made sure that fishing remains an important industry and that small fishermen can continue to earn a living from the sea.”

The new Fishmongers Market opens officially at 16h00 (4pm) on Thursday 13 December. Trading hours are 9am to 9pm seven days a week.

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