The government has decided to develop a facility capable of processing 100 tonnes of fish per day in Felivaru.
This facility is being established under an agreement signed today by the Fisheries Ministry with China's Dongfang Electric International Corporation to develop and finance fish landing, processing, and storage facilities in the Maldives. Under this agreement, signed by Minister Ahmed Shiyam, important fisheries-related projects are scheduled to be carried out in Dhaalu Maadheli, Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree, and Lhaviyani Felivaru.
The Fisheries Ministry stated that under this agreement, a 100-tonne daily processing facility will be developed in Felivaru to replace the 38-year-old cannery.
The Fisheries Ministry noted that under this agreement, projects in Maadheli will be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes harbour development, landing facilities, accommodations, roads, a 1,500-tonne cold storage, and the establishment of brine and blast freezing facilities. Furthermore, as part of the second phase, it has been decided to develop a 50-tonne daily fish processing facility.
Projects scheduled to be implemented under this agreement include the establishment of a 3,000-tonne cold storage, along with brine and blast freezing facilities in Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree. The Fisheries Ministry stated that a 100-tonne daily fish processing facility, a fish feed plant, and a rihaakuru (fish paste) production facility are also included.
Under this agreement, the work on the fish factories in these three islands must be completed and brought into operation within 18 months. The government estimates that this project will cost 225 million dollars.
