MIFCO Assures Kanduoiygiri Will Be Handed Over to MNDF Within Deadline

The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has stated that it is confident in handing over K. Kanduoiygiri, previously operated as a fish village production facility, to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) within the given deadline.

The government decided to hand over Kanduoiygiri to MNDF on August 4. Following this, MIFCO was given a deadline to clear the island and hand it over to MNDF by September 15. However, as MIFCO was working to temporarily relocate Kanduoiygiri's operations to Lh. Felivaru, the company requested an extension from MNDF, anticipating that the work could not be completed within the initial timeframe.

MIFCO requested the extension because the process of removing production equipment from the island involved heavy-duty machinery, requiring the use of landing crafts and cranes, which could cause delays. Upon MIFCO's request, MNDF extended the deadline to the 15th of this month. MIFCO stated that all of the company's goods have now been removed from the location, and only minor tasks remain.

"Currently, 99% of the relocation work is complete. Only very minor tasks are left. We will certainly be able to hand it over before the extended deadline given by MNDF, which is October 15," MIFCO said.

The 4-hectare island of Kanduoiygiri was the main hub for MIFCO's lifestyle products. Many ready-made or fresh, ready-to-eat products were manufactured on the island. Additionally, the production of skipjack and yellowfin tuna loins was also carried out there. MIFCO stated that Kanduoiygiri's operations have now commenced in Felivaru, and the supply of these products has begun. MIFCO added that the products will be available in the market this week.

"The supply work has started. The products will be released to the market within the next 72 hours," MIFCO said.

Kanduoiygiri was given to MNDF in exchange for a plot of land in Hulhumale'. The procedures for allocating and handing over the land in Hulhumale' are currently being completed.