The government has commenced work to establish ice plants in eleven islands.
Regarding this, the Fisheries Ministry stated that the work to establish ice plants in 11 islands has now begun as part of the government's efforts to find a solution to the difficulties faced by fishermen in obtaining ice.
Under this project, it has been decided to establish ice plants in HA. Dhidhdhoo, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, Sh. Funadhoo, Sh. Komandoo, Lh. Naifaru, AA. Rasdhoo, M. Veyvah, Dh. Bandidhoo, Dh. Meedhoo, HA. Ihavandhoo, and GDh. Rathafandhoo.
While the government has decided to establish these ice plants by handing them over to MIFCO, five of these plants are being established with the assistance of the Saudi Fund for Development. The other six plants are decided to be established from the state budget.
While the government has established ice plants in 25 islands so far, some of these plants are currently not operating. The Ministry has stated that they are working with MIFCO to resolve this issue.
Not getting enough ice for fishermen, ice not being available from some existing ice plants, and traveling to distant islands burning fuel to get ice is a very big challenge currently faced by fishermen. With the new ice plants, it is believed that the hardship currently borne by fishermen in obtaining ice will be greatly eased.
