HUNDREDS of people from communities around N'wamitwa will benefit from a proposed fish farming project.

The project is to start in the area later this year at Mswazi Dam, about 10km from the N'wamitwa tribal area.

Chief Felia Lwandlamuni N'wamitwa II said the project was expected to create hundreds of jobs for the residents of 32 villages in the area.

"We will breed a type of fish that we will export," she said.

She said her priority was to turn around the depressed economic situation in the area to provide a better life for thecommunity.

Chief N'wamitwa II, the leader of the Valoyi tribe, said the area was ready to deal with whatever economic situation that might arise in future.

She said the Valoyi traditional authority was awaiting the outcome of their land claim, which should be finalised soon.

The areas being claimed stretch from Constantia farm near Giyani to the Tarentaalrand area outside Tzaneen.

The land includes citrus plantations, game and other farms that could be used to generate revenue to eradicate poverty in the N'wamitwa area.

Many people in the area have praised their chief for her efforts to improve their lives.

"We are pleased that our chief always comes up with plans to improve our lives," said an ecstatic resident.

He said since she took over a year ago she had initiated many projects that have benefitted the community economically.