Fourteen ice plants operated by the Fenaka Corporation have been transferred to the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) under a new agreement between the two companies.
The agreement was signed by MIFCO CEO Dr Vitaliy Lyubimov and Fenaka Managing Director Mohamed Najah.
The current government said the former government handed over the operation of 14 ice plants to Fenaka while the company did not have the capacity to operate them. As a result, several ice plants are out of commission.
According to MIFCO, its engineers and technical staff are working to bring all the ice plants to full operational capacity. The transfer of these plants under MIFCO has expanded the services provided by the company.
The ice plants transferred to MIFCO are located in Ihavandhoo, Haa Alif Atoll; Lhohi, Noonu Atoll; Alifushi, Raa Atoll; Thulhaadhoo, Baa Atoll; Feeali and Nilandhoo of Faafu Atoll; Hirilandhoo, Thaa Atoll; Dhaandhoo, Dhevvadhoo, Gemanafushi and Kolamaafushi of Gaaf Alif Atoll; Fares Mathoda and Fiyori of Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, and HIthadhoo, Seenu Atoll.
In his Presidential Address delivered at this yea’s Parliament opening ceremony, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu acknowledged challenges faced by local fishermen in obtaining ice, and pledged to develop additional ice plants this year, with funding from the national budget as well as foreign aid. In this regard, ice plants will be established in nine islands this year, the President announced.
"During this year, ice plants will be set up in Meedhoo and Bandidhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, funded by the state budget. Additionally, ice plants will be established in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alif Atoll; Komandoo, Shaviyani Atoll; Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaal Atoll; Rathafandhoo, Gaaf Alif Atoll, and Rasdhoo, Alif Alif Atoll under loan assistance from the Saudi Fund,” the President had said.
In addition to increasing the operational capacity of existing ice plants and developing more ice plants, 100 fishing vessels are also being equipped with RSW systems to facilitate easier access to ice for fishermen under a government initiative. Under this project, the Islamic Development Bank's Islamic Finance facility will provide funds ranging from USD 6485 to USD 120,700 for the purchase of an RSW system, generator and solar panels without any mortgage. The government says the cost of travelling to purchase ice will be greatly reduced with this move.