The ice plant in R. Maduvvari, previously operated by the island council, has been transferred under the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), with MIFCO officially taking over yesterday.
While MIFCO has now begun directly operating the ice plant, the facility is currently being overseen by an engineering team from the Felivaru Fisheries Complex (FFC). MIFCO has also arranged the necessary staff required to operate the facility.
Muaz Ali, General Manager of MIFCO's Projects and Technical Department, stated that starting yesterday, MIFCO has taken over the Maduvvari ice plant and commenced services. When the council operated the ice plant, ice was sold to fishermen at a rate of MVR 1,250 per ton. The council had to sell it at a higher price due to the high costs associated with operating the facility. The council handed the facility over to MIFCO because the exorbitant cost of fuel made it difficult to sustain operations.
Muaz stated that MIFCO will always strive to resolve the current difficulties fishermen face in obtaining ice and to establish arrangements where ice is easily accessible. Therefore, with MIFCO taking over the ice plant and commencing operations, a ton of ice will now be sold at a rate of MVR 750, Muaz said.
"With this newly launched service, a ton of ice will be provided to fishermen at a rate of MVR 750. This is a 25-metric-ton flake ice plant. Additionally, a 50-ton stock of ice can be maintained. MIFCO will remain committed to finding easier solutions for fishermen in the future as well," Muaz said.
A lease agreement was signed yesterday to officially hand over the ice plant to MIFCO. The council released the ice plant to MIFCO under an arrangement where MIFCO will pay land rent. During a meeting held at the council office yesterday, the agreement was signed on behalf of MIFCO by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ilyas Haneef, who is temporarily in charge of managing the company. Maduvvari Council President Mohamed Sodiq (Chotu) signed on behalf of the council.
The Maduvvari ice plant began providing services on December 10, 2021. It was opened to coincide with Fishermen's Day.
