Outstanding payments to fishermen will be cleared by March 5: Minister

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has given assurances that the outstanding payments currently owed to fishermen will be cleared before next March.

Responding to a question from Makunudhoo constituency MP Mohamed Raee during today's parliamentary sitting, the Minister stated that the outstanding payments to fishermen will be completed in accordance with the government's pledge, and that the Finance Ministry is working to secure the necessary funds. He also stated that since the state currently lacks funds, it has been decided to pay the fishermen from tax revenues.

The Minister stated that out of the 310 million owed to fishermen, after releasing various portions, he gives assurance that the remaining 280 million rufiyaa will be completely cleared before the 5th of next month.

During today's parliamentary sitting, when Bilehdhoo constituency MP Ahmed Haleem asked the Minister if he would resign if these payments are not made by March, he did not give a direct answer to the question. He stated that there is certainty that the payments will be completed within the timeframe given by the government.