Ice plants have been installed and brought into operation in five islands, with 15 more islands planned for installation, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Shiyam said the government is addressing long-standing issues in fish processing and storage, which were challenges faced by fishermen when it took office.
While a 25-tonne fish storage plant has been established in Dhevvadhoo, 30-tonne facilities have also been established in Funadhoo, Meedhoo, Bandidhoo, and Gemanafushi. A 60-tonne cold storage facility is expected to be established in Veyvah, and a 25-tonne facility in Mahibadhoo by the end of the year.
The minister said additional ice plant projects are underway on a contractor-financed basis in 15 islands, in alignment with pledges made by the president and requests made by communities. These include a 5-tonne facility in Kudarikilu, 10-tonne facilities in Hithadhoo and Maavah of Laamu Atoll, 30-tonne ice plants in Nilandhoo, Villingili, Dhaandhoo, Mulah, Hulhudheli, Kulhudhuffushi, Gaafaru, Dhidhdhoo, Rasdhoo, and Rasgetheemu, and a 40-tonne ice plant in Naifaru. Additionally, the existing storage capacity in Felivaru will be expanded from 50 to 100 tonnes.
Sharing other developments, the minister noted that land reclamation is currently ongoing for the construction of a 100-tonne cold storage facility in Fiyoaree. Additionally, work is ongoing for a 50-tonne cold storage facility and harbour works in Nilandhoo fish factory area.
Emphasising the government priority of improving fish pricing, the minister noted the need to increase storage capacity to help fishermen store seasonal catches and secure value-added export opportunities. He also revealed the decision to establish a 100-tonne fish processing facility in Hulhumale’, with the project agreement expected to be signed next week.