The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources stated today that upon completion, the 11 new ice plants initiated by the government will have the capacity to produce 350 tonnes of ice per day.
Regarding this, the Fisheries Ministry stated that as part of the government's efforts to resolve the difficulties faced by fishermen in obtaining ice, work has now begun to establish ice plants in 11 islands, and once established, they will produce 350 tonnes of ice daily.
Under this newly commenced project, the government has 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 operational. The Ministry stated that they are working with MIFCO to resolve this issue.
Not getting enough ice for fishermen, the unavailability of ice from some existing ice plants, and having to travel to distant islands burning fuel to get ice is a major challenge currently faced by fishermen. With the new ice plants, it is expected that the hardship currently borne by fishermen in obtaining ice will be greatly eased.
