Permanent solution to Lhohi ice plant issue this year: Minister Shiyam

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that a permanent solution will be provided this year for the ongoing issues at the N. Lhohi ice plant.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to a question posed by Velidhoo constituency MP Mohamed Abbas during today's parliamentary session, seeking a date for when the Lhohi ice plant would be brought back into operation.

In his question, MP Abbas noted that the N. Lhohi ice plant has been out of service for three months. He added that since Lhohi is an island where more than 60 dinghies and large fishing vessels operate for reef fishing to supply nearby resorts, the fishing families strongly desire a quick solution to the ice plant's problems.

In response, Minister Shiyam stated that MIFCO technicians had attempted to repair the Lhohi ice plant on three or four occasions, and a MIFCO team is currently active in Lhohi for this work. However, the Minister noted he had received information that the plant's return to operation is being delayed because the issues it faces are significant.

The Minister further stated that repairing the current ice plant would cost nearly as much as a new ice plant. Since the Lhohi ice plant is utilized by fishermen in the region, the Minister said he intends to bring a permanent solution to the matter within this year.