The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources have signed an agreement with the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO), to hand over the establishment of an ice plant and an ice storage in Meedhoo and Bandidhoo in Dhaalu Atoll and Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll. The agreement was signed by MIFCO's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ilyas Haneef and Financial Controller of the Fisheries Ministry Eenaaz Naseer.
The project, financed by the government's Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), has a total value of USD 1.6 million. MIFCO has indicated that each ice plant is priced at USD 518,806, and works are to be completed within an eight-month period, according to the contract.
The ice plants, to be established on three islands, will each have a capacity of 30 tonnes, while the ice storage facilities will accommodate 50 tonnes. This initiative is part of a broader project to establish ice plants across 11 islands. The ministry disclosed that decisions have been made to establish the ice plants in Kulhudhuffushi City, Komandoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alif Alif Atoll, Veyvah in Meemu Atoll and Rathafandhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Of these, funds have been secured for the establishment of five ice plants, from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). The remaining six ice plants will be funded by the government.
The ministry stated that the initiative of establishing ice plants aims to address the challenges fishing vessels face in obtaining ice. In addition to this initiative, the government has been exerting several efforts aimed and enhancing the fishing sector. Under these efforts, the government is working to increase the capacity of MIFCO and create a system which facilitates fishermen to obtain various services conveniently.