Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that an additional 23 ice plants will be brought into operation this year.
Speaking to journalists at the President's Office today, Minister Shiyam said that when the current government came to power, the lack of ice during good fishing seasons was a major challenge for the fishing industry, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu gives great importance to finding a solution to this issue. Under the work done in this regard, ice plants have been established and brought into operation in six islands, the Minister said.
The Minister stated that work is underway to develop additional ice plants funded by the state budget and with the assistance of the Saudi Fund for Development. In this regard, work on establishing ice plants in L. Maabaidhoo, M. Veyvah, Lh. Naifaru, Sh. Komandoo, M. Mulah, L. Maavah, L. Hithadhoo, Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi, and Dh. Hulhudheli is ongoing, with practical work started in some locations and the documentation phase underway for others, the Minister said.
"I have spoken about many ice plants; approximately 23 ice plants will be brought into operation. I am confident that all these mentioned ice plants, including those from the Saudi Fund, will be brought into operation this year," the Minister said.
The Minister said the target is to start and complete the work on these ice plants this year, and with these ice plants coming into operation, the shortage of ice during the Maldives' seasonal fishing will come to an end.
