The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has extended the deadline for the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) to vacate Kanduoiy-giri Island. Initially set for September 15, the new deadline is now October 15, allowing MIFCO additional time to relocate its operations to Felivaru Island.
MIFCO explained that the extension is necessary due to the presence of heavy equipment and goods on Kanduoiy-giri, which require specialized removal with a landing craft and crane. The MNDF's extension enables MIFCO to complete this process.
Kanduoiy-giri has served as a central hub for MIFCO’s lifestyle products, including pre-made foods, as well as a facility for weighing yellowfin and skipjack tunas caught by local fishermen. The island also provided ice to support the fishing industry.
Following the relocation decision, the Cabinet of Ministers instructed the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to allocate suitable land in Hulhumale’ for MIFCO’s operations. MIFCO has stated that discussions with HDC regarding land acquisition are currently underway.
The company aims to leverage investment opportunities and restore services on a larger scale by securing land in Hulhumale’ as soon as possible. This is particularly important for utilizing the planned investment of USD 8 million from the Saudi Fund and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB).